#I think he enjoyed his trip to Salem

[guccikitty404]

So like, I didn’t think taking Spamton to the satanic temple was something I was going to do, but it was.

[lovelytsunoda]

mr. ghostface // lance stroll

summary: a trip to spirit halloween with her husband plants an idea in lance's head that he can't quite shake. knowing how stressed his beloved has been lately, he just wants them to have a little bit of spooky and festive fun.

pairing: lance stroll x wife! reader

warnings: straight up p*rn guys, idk what to tell you. there’s some light roleplay, but it’s done in a very playful and loving way so it’s not too intense, a few brief mentions of anxiety, two people that are truly madly and deeply in love with each other. i am going to hell for this.

authors note: i really like this one because it gave me a chance to play around with two people exploring the kinkier side of their relationship in a fun, lighthearted and carefree way, a way that works for them so they can experience the best of both worlds sexually. i had a lot of fun with this one, and now all I need is a lance in my life :)

there were few stores that y/n stroll loved more than spirit halloween. even now; as a married adult woman, there were few things she thought she could enjoy more on a fall afternoon than walking through the halloween store with her husband, a mcdonalds milkshake in one hand and her beloveds hand in the other.

lance was having the time of his life, delighting in scaring the bejesus out of his wife using the pedals that activated the animatronics. she would always jump, and clutch his arm for dear life, even if she partially knew what was coming.

wife. husband. neither of them would ever tire of calling the other, even after one year of marriage. lance was always saying things like “I’d like you to meet my wife”, or “have you met my wife yet” whenever he met someone new or reconnected with an old friend in the paddock.

their relationship seemed to have never left the honeymoon stage, bursting at the seams with love.

“babe, babe!” lance gushed, fumbling to get a hanger off the display wall. he held up the red costume corset, dangling limply off a plastic hanger. with his other hand, he grabbed the sequinned devil ears hanging above it. “you would look so fucking hot in these.”

she blushed, choking on her milkshake. “lance! outside the house? no fucking way, I’m not that bold.”

“you don’t have to wear it outside. in fact, i was hoping you’d wear it somewhere else. somewhere a little more…intimate.” lance hummed, his hands now resting on her waist, the corset back on the display wall as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“baby, i don’t even think that would fit me. that’s way too small for my ribcage, much less my boobs.” she laughed, slipping her free hand into lances back pocket and resting her head against his bicep.

lance chuckled, kissing her hairline again before reaching to the wall and grabbing a plastic mask. “oh, what about this?” he laughed, slipping the scream mask over his head and turning to his wife.

“whats your favourite scary movie?” he rasped, before breaking out into laughter. “come on, babe! we could be ghostface and casey!”

she laughed, trailing her finger up lances chest before yanking the mask off his head. he pouted playfully, and she laughed before she kissed him gently.

“absolutley not:”

“oh, I’m getting the mask.” lance insisted, taking the plastic from her.

she shrugged, taking another sip of her drink. she didn’t really care if lance bought the mask or not, she just wanted their couple costume to be a little classier than a fictional serial killer and his first victim.

“it’s your money.”

_______________

she sat at the living room desk two afternoons later, finding her attention span increasingly reaching it's breaking point as her bleary eyes wandered away from her laptop screen and towards the picture window, watching the changing leaves on the trees outside. everywhere around her, fall was settling in on the quebec countryside.

"babe!" lance's voice carried from their bedroom. "are you busy? i wanna show you something!"

technically, she was busy. she had a big project due at work, but she was practically begging the universe for a distraction at this point. closing her laptop, she pushed herself back from the table and started walking through the ranch house. the tile floor was cold against her bare feet as she passed through the kitchen, poking her head down the hallway in hopes of finding her husband.

"lance?"

she heard a closet door opening behind her, and when she turned around, she jumped, shriek piercing the air.

"you and that goddamn mask."

lance laughed, face hidden behind the white plastic ghostface mask. "sorry, babe. couldn't resist."

after her initial shock faded away, she realized that aside from the black silk pajama pants on his lower half, the mask was all that her husband was wearing.

"please don't kill me, mr. ghostface." she pouted, wrapping one slender leg around her lover's, running a hand up his bare chest, feeling every muscle and ridge. "i wanna be in the sequel." she wanted to kiss him, but with the mask, that would be hard, so she settled for gently kissing his collar bone. "what's all this for?"

lance raised an arm, pushing the mask off his face. “you’ve been really stressed lately. the other day, i watched you worry about the health implications of having onion rings with your sandwich because you were worried you haven’t been eating well this month.”

and that was true: she had been more anxious than usual, and her intrusive thoughts had been much more pervasive. she’d been trying to get back into a routine, following stretching videos on YouTube and going for walks, trying new recipes. but she was still having trouble falling asleep, keeping focussed. hell, she was even having trouble keeping the routine.

not getting lost inside her own head.

she kissed him gently, resting her body weight against him. lance still made her feel like a teenager in love, her teenage dream. even after a year of marriage there was still so much to look forward to.

like, apparently, nineties slasher roleplay in bed.

"i love you." she hummed, nuzzling into his neck.

"love you more, pretty girl." lance smiled, kissing her forehead. "take fifteen minutes and go make yourself feel sexy, i'm going to get some things out of the freezer for dinner. i'll make that pasta you like?"

“sounds like a plan.”

she tiptoed into the master bedroom, closing the door behind her before stripping out of her leggings and the baggy shirt she had been wearing, trading her cotton panties and wire bra for a short corset top and silk pajama shorts in a deep royal blue. the little silver “l” pendant that she wore around her neck fell gracefully against her skin, hair falling around her shoulders.

she could hear clattering coming from the kitchen. it was lance fumbling around to get the ground beef out of the freezer and into a bowl of cold water to defrost.

she popped open the bath and body works spray on the dresser, mist dusting her skin with body glitter. her spine tingled in anticipation of what was to come, goosebumps rising on her skin as she settled on the end of the bed, one leg crossed over the other so her shorts rode up, showing off more thigh than was necessary.

lance was a sucker for thighs. specifically hers.

the door creaked open, and lance crept into the room, the mask over his face once again. he paused before the end of the bed, and she was momentarily pissed off that she couldn't see the way he was looking at her. but she knew what that look in his eye would be: pure love and adoration.

"you look stunning." he whispered, his fingers ghosting over her skin as he brushed his hand up her leg, to her thigh. "hey, don't take this super seriously, okay? we're just having a bit of fun."

"i know." she took his hand in hers, pressing a kiss to his knuckles. "just be gentle with me."

"always."

she dropped his hand, and he brought it to her face, gently caressing her cheek as she looked down at her through the mask.

“what’s your favourite scary movie?”

“hmm, the one where I make it to the end?” she quipped, smiling up at her husband.

“oh, i think I can work with that.” he hummed, running his thumb down the side of her face, down the side of her neck, over her shoulder.

she giggled, flinching under his touch when he brushed against her neck. she had always been ticklish there.

“how are you going to make it worth my while to let you make it to a sequel?”

she uncrossed her legs, spreading them wide and leaning back on her palms. the fabric of her silken shorts had moved just so that lance could see that she wasn’t wearing any panties, a slight dark spot beginning to form on the fabric.

she could hear lance exhale, his breath reverberating against the mask. “you spread your legs pretty fast, darlin’. is this what you want? to let mr. ghostface have his way with you?”

his tone was lighthearted, his voice curling up into gentle laughter at the end of the sentence. it kept the carefree nature of their usual sex life embedded in the scene, despite its adventurous nature, which she would forever be thankful for. she could see the outline of his rapidly hardening cock through his silken pants.

“oh, yes, mr. ghostface.” she purred playfully, playing right into lance’s hands as she palmed one of her tits through the cups of the corset top. “please.”

he grabbed her leg, hiking it up and over his shoulder, dragging her to the edge of the bed and spreading her open for him. she gasped, falling back onto her forearms and pressing her chest up.

“jesus christ.” lance exhaled, his fingers brushing over her sopping entrance. “you’re dripping for me, sweetheart. is this turning you on? you want me to ravish you?”

“yes, mister, please.” she whined, pressing up against the pads of his fingertips. “touch me.”

lance slipped two fingers inside her with very little warning, barely giving her time to adjust before he started flexing his digits rapidly. she moaned under his touch, falling back against the bed.

“uh uh, darling. eyes on me. i want you to see who’s making you feel this good.”

his fingers brushed against her sensitive walls, and she bucked her hips against his hands before struggling up to her shaky arms, moaning even deeper at the sight in front of her: leg up on her husbands shoulder, the mask on his face, the way the muscles in his arms flexed as he finger-fucked her.

“that’s it, my good girl. my good, beautiful girl. so good for me.” lance hummed, his thumb coming down to circle her clit. “there better not be a single anxious thought in that head of yours.”

and for the first time that day, there wasn’t. she had crumbled under lances touch, her head empty the second he had kissed her in that hallway. she loved it.

loved him.

“oh god, lance,” she breathed, allowing herself to slip out of character as she reached for his wrist. “i think I’m gonna cum!”

the hand that previously kept a bruising grip on her leg dropped to reassuringly rub circles on her thigh. “I’ve got you, love. just close your eyes and ride out. cum on my fingers, you know you want to.”

she closed her eyes, arching her back as she felt her pussy contract, sucking lances fingers in and refusing to let go as she fell apart around him, whining his name as he scissored his fingers, dropping her leg and trying to guide her through her climax.

he withdrew his fingers, now covered in her release, making sure that his wife was watching before he lifted the mask just enough for her to watch him slip his fingers into his mouth, sucking up every last drop.

she whined at the sight, and would have clenched her thighs together if not for lances leg holding them open. instead, she found herself grinding against his thigh as he lovingly cradled her wrist against the mattress, leaning down to drop a kiss on her forehead.

“you’re so good, pretty girl. so perfect for me in every way. i hope you know that.”

“I know.” she giggled, pressing against him again. “thank you for doing this:”

lances nimble fingers slipped underneath the lacy cups of her top, taking her nipples in between his fingers. she writhed under him, exhaling his name.

“you don’t have to thank me, pretty girl. you just need to scream my name.”

“that can be arranged.” she was certain that her shorts were soaked; they would need some extra stain removal methods when she did the laundry.

lance could feel it too; a dark spot forming on his pants where she rubbed against him. he was starting to sweat under the mask, his hair matted to his face and his breathing heavy.

he slipped a finger underneath her bra strap, teasingly dragging it down her shoulder. she shivered under the sensations, knowing full well how she must look.

lust-drunk, face flushed and covered in a sheen of sweat, pupils dilated.

and he hadn’t even fucked her yet.

normally she’d be above begging. but not tonight. not while he was looming over her and fulfilling a fantasy she didn’t even realize that she had.

"please, please, i need your cock." she whined. "i need to be fucked, mr. ghostface. please."

under the mask, lance smirked. he wished he could kiss her, feel her whine into his mouth. “baby, baby, you never need to beg for me. because that means I’m not treating you right.”

“then put your cock in me!” she whined, nudging him with her leg.

chuckling to himself, lance pulled her shorts down her legs, dropping them to the carpet before he got up and slowly shed his own. his wife watched from the bed, butting her lip so hard he thought she might draw blood as she watched his rock-hard cock slap against his abs.

she couldn’t help it, one hand gently palming her clit as she watched lance stalk towards the bed, his breathing loud from inside the mask. despite the lack of control there appeared to be, she knew that she was 100% in control of what was about to happen.

lance gently pushed her hand away from her swollen clit, crossing her wrists over each other and holding them down with one hand. her breath hitched as he ran his cock up and down her folds, her hips bucking, trying to take what little he was giving her.

“are you ready for my cock, princess? are you ready to fucking scream my name?”

“yes, lance, please stop teasing me.”

he slid home in one swift movement, switching his grip on her wrists so that he had one wrist in each hand as he roughly drove into her.

her eyes practically rolled back in her skull as she moaned, her tight center squeezing his cock.

“oh, fuck.” she breathed, closing her eyes with an exhale. “fuck, you feel so good inside me. so deep.”

“you’re doing such a good job, pretty girl. you’re taking me like such a good girl.” lance praised, thrusting harder before loosening his grip on her wrists. “take off the mask, baby. I know you want to. let me kiss you.”

she reached up with one hand, eyes bleary from the pleasure she was feeling as she grabbed on to the black hood of the mask, gently tugging until the mask fell away.

“oh no, now I know your face.” she joked, playing along with the scene. “whatever will I do now? please don’t kill me mr. ghostface.”

lance laughed, leaning down to kiss her. he but down gently on her lip, sucking her bottom lip in between his own. “well, we have two options. I can make you my partner in crime.” he paused, reaching down to pinch her swollen clit. she jumped, squealing in pleasure. his hand still pinned one of her wrists to the bed, the other hand leaving red marks on his shoulder as he continued to pound into her. “or I could make you cum so hard that you forget my face and decide not to turn me in.”

she giggled, pretending to think it over. “I think I’ll take the orgasm.”

“good choice.”

she wrapped her legs around him, pulling his dick even deeper inside of her. he let go of her wrist, bracing himself on the bed while she dug her nails hard into his back, leaving scratches behind. he dropped his lips to her neck, pressing open mouthed kisses to her ticklish skin. she giggled, squirming underneath him.

lance loved it when she laughed during sex. to him, there was nothing sexier than seeing his wife let go. no anxiety, no self-consciousness. it made him feel close to her.

“my beautiful wife.” he grunted, rutting into her hard enough to push her body up the bed. she whined his name, arching her back to press her nipples against his chest.

the skin to skin was what she loved the most. that feeling of being as close as you possibly can to another person.

“oh, baby, right there.” it came out broken and raspy, and she found herself trying to hide her face in her husbands neck. “fuck, that feels so good.”

her walls fluttered, and lances thrusts faltered as he struggled to hold himself up. “are you close, baby? it’s okay, I’ve got you. you can let go.”

she clung on to him for dear life, skin flushed and juices dripping down her thighs. she couldn’t form words, nothing but incoherent whining coming out of her throat. she felt so full, so loved, the coil in her stomach threatening to snap as lance presses his lips to hers, sucking on her bottom lip and bringing one hand down to rub circles on her clit.

“lance, I’m cumming!” she cried, her nails digging into his back as she wrapped her body around him, shutting her eyes tightly as she pressed her face into his shoulder.

“I’ve got you, I’ve got you. you did so well, princess. you looked so pretty with my cock inside you.” he said softly, kissing her forehead as he guided her through it, feeling himself start to reach his own limits. “where do you want me to finish, pretty girl?”

she barely had the energy to respond, still trying to get her breath back as her legs shook from overstimulation, tears pressing at the corners of her eyes. “inside me, please, god, I need it.”

“fucking hell.” lance grunted, thrusting faster, his balls slapping against her sensitive skin as he went. “god I love you.”

he moaned as he dropped his head, nuzzling into her neck as he came with a howl, his cock jerking as it painted her walls white with his release. he stilled, peppering her face in kisses.

“I love you, baby. I don’t like seeing you stressed.”

she hummed, tangling her fingers in his hair and looking up at her husband. “I love you, too. thank you for saving me from myself.”

lance pulled out gently, his wife whimpering at the newfound feeling of emptiness. she clenched her thighs together, watching as her lover got up from the bed, pulling his silk pants back on.

“oh, babe, put in different pants.” she laughed, playfully throwing the ghostface mask in his direction. “those ones are probably gross as shit right now.”

“they’re not as bad as yours.” he shrugged, fishing a clean cotton t-shirt out of their shared dresser. there was something so casually intimate about sharing a dresser. “come on, let’s get you out of that corset.”

she sat up, pulling the comforter over her bottom half as she lazily leaned back into lances touch. his fingers glided down her back, unhooking the corset clasps and kissing over the red marks where the hooks had dug into her back. she raised her arms and he slipped the shirt over her head, watching the fabric billow gently over her features.

lance settled in next to her, and she rested her head against his chest, gently tracing his tattoo with her fingertip.

fortune favours the bold.

“you work too hard. it’s not healthy.” he hummed.

she sighed, leaning into his touch as he ran his fingers through her hair. “I know. once this project has been handled, the big boss is giving us some time off.”

“that’s good. maybe we can go somewhere. it doesn’t have to be anything big, maybe maine or calgary?”

“yeah, that sounds nice.” she rolled over, supporting her weight on her forearm. “thanks for this, by the way. and for keeping it fun.”

“of course. any time you want me to do all of the thinking for you, just let me know. that’s what husbands are for.” lance slowly started to sit up, easing her back down to the bed to remind her that she needed rest. “I’m gonna go start dinner. go to the bathroom, have a glass of water, and remember to rest, okay? I’ll wake you when it’s ready.”

she smiled, rubbing his arm gently as she looked up at her husband “or I could come to the kitchen and watch. you know I think it’s so hot when you cook, especially when you do it shirtless.”

“oh yeah? maybe I should get a chefs outfit for the next time we spice it up a little.”

“in your goddamn dreams.”

TAGS

@magnummagnussen @thatsdemko @oconso @libraryofloveletters @diorleclerc @lorarri @cartierre @sidcrosbyspuck @scuderiamh @silversainz @silverstonesainz

[pvccblog]

A GREAT FIT

It is safe to say that God brought us to a place that is a good fit for our team! We have felt so welcome, and we have had some great opportunities already. Connections have been made and our prayer is that they will continue to grow as the week moves on. Will you pray along with us? Yes........I MEAN YOU!!

We got to the park this morning to set up for camp and I had to run down the street to get some ice. When I left, no campers had arrived yet. When I came back, the area was packed with kids getting signed up. We ended up with 17 campers! They all had a blast! They had energy right off the bat and really enjoyed their time. After camp was over, the kids were smiling and hugging us and asking when we'd see them again. It was amazing.

The other blessing about camp today was that a bunch of the moms and grandmothers hung out and watched the kids play and had some great fellowship with each other. A few dads were in and out too. Pastor Fred stuck around and it was cool to see that he is well respected here and loves to connect.

We also received a great surprise visit as Sports Camp was wrapping up. Pastor Joe and Jenny Murrell stopped by! They were on their way to see their son Josh and his family in Salem and Jenny texted me while they were in the road. I told her the name of the park and they showed up about 45 minutes later. It was a great visit, we love them so much!

I've also noticed there's actually a pretty cool network going on here between some of the churches in the area. The events we're doing this week are in a neighboring town of Azalea called Glendale. There are a couple churches in Glendale that Pastor Fred knows pretty well. He's been plugging our events to these other churches. Fred mentioned that he desires what is best for the Kingdom of God this week, and that may not mean that everyone we come into contact with will end up going to Azalea Community Church. He picked Glendale Park because it was a central location with a lot of kids and teens. It is also a town with great need for the gospel. It's great to see that kind of unity in God's people from different congregations!

BARF Night was also amazing and full of energy tonight! The pastor and youth pastor from the Baptist Church in Glendale showed up tonight with their families and it was obvious that they are connected to the local teens. We did a little canvassing before our event and a few guys we passed out fliers to ended up coming.

The games were great and pretty intense at times - in a good way. We also had a few little kids that we had to dodge while playing. We aren't really strict on the ages for Mission Venture BARF Nights and it can get a little scary when the older kids are flying all over the place. Please pray for safety!

I'm not sure how many showed up to BARF but it was probably about as many as came to Sports Camp. One teen said that he is going to invite his whole track team tomorrow. A couple others said they will spread the word too! We're looking forward to a bigger crowd tomorrow.

My lovely daughter Ellie shared her testimony tonight and she did an excellent job. It's crazy to think that she is on her last Mission Venture as a student. I'm super proud of her and she's been a great leader on this trip. She really brings the energy and loves all her "besties" here on the team.

Right now all the Pine Valley students are sitting around chatting in the sanctuary with Maci and Axel. They're having a blast sharing some stories of some embarrassing experiences in their lives. They are quite the unified team!

We would love for you to pray for great opportunities for gospel conversations this week. Some locals have shared with us about the sad situations that many of the kids in Glendale are experiencing in their lives right now. It's all pretty heartbreaking. Pray that these teens that are coming to BARF Night will commit to Jesus! Our team is looking for chances to go deeper with these kids, and are confident that God will provide!

Thanks so much everyone!!

[lemonboy011]

It's time for more UnderAcadamia before I head into work! This time, it's information about the school and its teachers.

The school's name is Magic Academy, and it's a four year school. The building itself is rather large since both human and monster children alike attend. There's also two dormitory buildings for the students to live in, having been built originally for the humans, as the two kingdoms are a week-long trip apart. Two teachers watch over each building.

Sans and Papyrus watch over building 1, which houses the first years and third years. Then Undyne and Alphys watch over building 2, housing the second years and fourth years. At the end of every year the dormitories hold a prank war, with building 1 currently being the unbeatable champion for three years.

Students begin attending the school when they are ages 11 and 12. Second years are ages 13 and 14, third years are typically 15 and 16, and fourth years are typically 17 and 18.

The school colors are a golden yellow and royal purple, with the school mascot being a golden yellow flower with a smiley face, named “Flowey” by the monster prince when he was younger.

Uniforms;

The school uniform colors are a golden yellow and royal purple color, as those are the school colors. The students are always given a striped sweater, blazer, or cardigan to wear over a white button-down shirt, while having a choice of either golden or royal purple pants, shorts, or skirts. Any gender can wear whatever they wish. Shoes are typically black boots or tennis shoes.

Human students are given a heart-shaped pin to wear that corresponds with what type of soul they have. (Example; a Soul of kindness gets a green heart pin)

Monster students and the teachers have an upside-down heart pin that's always the color white with a different color outline to correspond with the monsters souls. (Example; A Monster Soul of integrity is white with a dark blue outline)

Character Introductions (I'll release their designs eventually, just might take a while);

Salem;

Basically this AU's Frisk.

Human, 12 years old, they/them, soul of DETERMINATION.

A curious and adventurous child, their favorite colors are green and blue.

A first year student.

Asgore;

Nicknames: Principle Asgore, Mr. Dreemurr, King Fluffball, Mistletoe

King of the Monsters, and the “principle” of the Magic Academy.

Based off of a Boer Goat.

Gardening is his favorite hobby, and he quite enjoys tea.

Always happy to lend a helping paw.

Looks over the Gardening Club.

Toriel;

Nicknames: Mrs. Dreamer, Miss Toriel, Tori, Queen Mom, Dandelion

Queen of the Monsters, and a teacher of the Magic Academy.

Teaches Healing Magic for second year, third year and fourth year students. First year students, she teaches the history of magic.

She also overlooks the Baking Club, as it's her main hobby.

Has healthy snacks hidden in her desk for hungry students.

Based off of the Jamunapari Goat.

Sans;

Nicknames: Professor Sans, Highlighter, Nunito

Retired assistant to the royal scientist, and a teacher of the Magic Academy.

He teaches gravity manipulation to second years, third years and fourth years. To first years, he teaches the basic principles of magic.

Also tutors for all subjects during after school classes.

The type of teacher that lets you sleep in class, because he also sleeps in class. You somehow pass, you're not sure how.

Sleeps during tests under his desk, in the closet, or falls asleep standing up. Students have to wake him up when everyone is done.

Papyrus;

Nicknames; Teach, Mr. P, Papy, Lexend

Second in Command of the Royal Guard and teacher of the Magic Academy.

Teaches how to form “bullets” to second years, third years, and fourth years. He teaches basic orange and blue attacks to first years.

Wears glasses because he thinks it makes him look more teacherly, but doesn't actually need them.

A bit calmer than other papyri(?).

Has a lot of fidget toys in his desk for students to use, and sometimes for himself too.

Overlooks the Track Team with Undyne.

Undyne;

Nicknames: Coach Dyne, Coach Whiskers, Spots, Koi

General of the Royal Guard, and teacher at the Magic Academy.

Teaches Defense Magic to second years, third years, and fourth years. For first years, it's a basic gym class.

Overlooks the Track Team with Papyrus.

Based off of a koi fish.

Absolutely will wrestle with students if they start it.

Gay as fuck, married to Alphys.

Half-blind, was kinda just born like that.

Alphys;

Nicknames: Miss Alphys, Dragon, Sunflower

Royal Scientist's Assistant and teacher at the Magic Academy.

Teaches how include magic in daily lives to third years and fourth years. To first years and second years she teaches the importance of one's soul, and the importance of intent.

She also overlooks the Anime/Gaming Club.

Based off of a Bearded Dragon.

Gay as fuck and married to Undyne.

Also kind of counts as the school nurse in a way.

[maskyartist]

had to get the headshots outta my system since thats all i got in me today but more aus i forgot to mention here that yall will probably enjoy! this time featuring angst :)

my ramblings are under the read more but enjoy them :D father son trauma so much bonding,,,,

once again me n @rexidot got opinions n thoughts n they all revolve around dadpin :D

essentially Salem created a new kind of Grimm, one that has the ability to infect humans. If done correctly, she can transform them into grimm. A sorta early prototype to what she does during V8 with the S.E.W yknow?

the infection seeps through the bloodstream and enters through open wounds. from there it travels to the brain first, attacking your mentality and slowly corrupting you from the inside out.

effects include-

high chances of sudden aggression and rage

extreme resilience to pain

human mentality slowly dwindling into a feral-like state

tougher skin

sharper vision (partial color blindness downside)

invisible to Grimm (due to them sensing emotion, the Infection drowns out the scent and causes them to think you're one of them)

inability to use Aura on effected skin and muscle, making wounds permanent/more dangerous on infected skin

And eventually fully turning you into a Grimm. or at least a very animal-like human

theres also one more effect Salem didnt plan on, and thats the ability to command Grimm yourself if you are infected long enough. risk reward n all that.

during the travel to Mistral and Haven, Ozpin had Oscar train before and during their trip to the station. unfortunately instead of finding Hazel, a Grimm attacks them and being a new kind, Ozpin was woefully unprepared causing his son to get hurt. the Grimm dies but Ozpin watches in horror as the inky blackness quickly begins seeping up his son's arm and into his very body.

in a moment of pure panic, Ozpin yanks Oscar close and reaches deep within his old old soul to pull out that sweet sweet magic, using it to take half the infection from Oscar. think 60/40. it stopped it from rushing so quickly, but the damage was done. both of them were infected now and it was only a matter of time before it got worse.

of course this Grimm hadnt been around before. it was only just created by the time volume 4 began, meaning some sort of cure was basically impossible to find or create. Ozpin simply settled for keeping an eye on his and Oscar's condition to make sure it didnt get worse

it did :)

eventually the infection traveled from arm to brain, seeping into their minds and effecting their thoughts, as well as physically showing on their faces. the mental effects kick in during the battle of Haven where Oscar gets hurt by Hazel, who threw him to get to Ozpin, and Ozpin practically snapping and going as hard as he possibly could to protect his son. absolutely feral he was screaming and playing as dirty as possible, at some point he bit Hazel??? he managed to hit him so fast so hard the pain broke through Hazel's semblance and that caused the fighting around them to pause just briefly

the physical effects (as shown above) begin to appear during the Brunswick farm and the full effect (eye change and proper heavy lines connecting to the face and spreading downwards) happened at the Arc house with high tensions. the infection gets worse with stress, more powerful when the mind is on high alert, so staying calm is essential.

Ozpin eventually has to admit that like with Salem, he has no plan for this. he wants to take more infection from Oscar but that'd just doom him and if they lose this body now it'll be hell to start over, hes too deep in

Oscar meanwhile is just...scared. he left his aunt wanting bigger better things, to be a hero like his papa, but now hes just afraid

theres cloqwork and rosegarden content too we got it ALL

so yeah thats what we got for now :)

[wyndford-dekarios-majima]

lullabye, the (shipped) good standard, and 27 for salem? :} —cephalophoricboyfriend

hello hi trips over myself

0: "Lullabye" - What’re both of your music tastes like? Are they similar to each other or do they drastically contrast with each other? // Salem is a lead guitarist, this I know, but I'm not sure if it's metal or just rock or something else- I'm going to go with rock. He gives off the vibe of enjoying like...sad piano music as well. I'd say our music tastes line up in those regards! But I will listen to literally anything- 6: "The (Shipped) Gold Standard" - Where’s your favorite place to spend together— just the two of you alone? // Anywhere in his general 'domain'. That'd probably be his office or where he lives. While the shop is perfectly safe, he doesn't own it, which means it isn't safe, y'know? 9: "27" - How would your f/o react to you being in any kind of danger? Do they worry about you being in danger that often? And vice versa— how would you react to your f/o being in danger? Do you worry about it that much? // Physical harm does not affect Ace in the long term. It's self-indulgent of me to think of him getting protective but also this is my house so :3c. Perhaps he gets a little protective when the right people show up. Ace is much the same way- Salem can handle himself, they know this, but sometimes the desire to show off overwhelms them. Sometimes it's because they're worried, too, but don't tell Salem.

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

Books I’ve read so far in 2022!

Friend me on Goodreads here to follow my more up to date reading journey for the year!

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251. Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely devoured this book. Although you can tell that this is a product of the time (mainly by certain derogatory words that King uses), the story feels timeless. I also think that this is the perfect read for October. The artwork, the atmosphere, and that build up of terror is definitely going to keep you up at night.

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252. Just A Bit Obsessed by Alessandra Hazard--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Re-Read in October 2022: This is the one I was most excited to re-read in the early books of this series. I love how certain events in this book happened because the actions of the woman in this felt very petty. Definitely made me feel giddy as I re-read!

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253. Two Truths & A Lie by April Henry--⭐️⭐️⭐️

I usually enjoy YA thrillers because they're fun and there isn't a lot of thought processing behind it because of their predictability (save for a few I've encountered in the past), and this one wasn't any different. While it was fun, it wasn't mind blowing. I had my suspicions over who was the killer and what some of the twists would be, so it wasn't entirely surprising. But with all of that being said, it was still an entertaining read and would make for a great cozy murder mystery by the fireplace as the weather gets colder. I don't have a fireplace, but the image just sounds nice. Will this blow your mind? No. But it might just entertain you!

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254. Nick & Charlie by Alice Oseman--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I LOVE MY BOYS. Even if they sometimes lack communication and let their insecurities get the better of them. I loved that this had Oseman's classic art throughout the book. I love these two so much and like one of the characters said, if there was an example of what soulmates look like, it would be them. Please read Heartstopper before you read this!

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255. Two Degrees by Alan Gratz--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was the second book I've read by this author and I am convinced that I need to read all of his books. I loved this novel and what it could represent, AND that it is aimed for the younger generations (anyone of any generation SHOULD read this). Just like in the last book I read by Gratz, this one tells three separate stories that eventually come together into a great overarching narrative. What I love about this is that it makes me want to connect the dots before the epilogue and try to guess how these characters might know each other. I think each story carries its own important message in regards to the climate change currently happening, how people are reacting (or not reacting) to our changing world, and the aftermath of the consequences of our actions. Gratz doesn't hold back when it comes to giving us the jarring reality of the situations these characters face, including the casualties that occur during these events. I also found it so terrifying how the hurricane story mirrors what just recently happened in Florida. That timing was just...wow. I highly recommend this book and I think it should be taught in schools. Our world is changing and I'm glad to have another book that explores the topic.

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256. Spells for Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a copy via the publisher because I interviewed the author on Indigo's Instagram page. This did not affect my review in any way. Much like the MC of this book, reading her story was like taking a trip into the whimsical world of family and Salem. I enjoyed getting to know more about this witchy family and their cursed history. I also loved how the male MC learned to trust and love those who offer him a home and felt for him as he faced some of the darker realities of his situation. I adored watching the two of them fall for each other as they tried to solve the mystery at the heart of this book, and how they helped each other find themselves. This was just such a sweet read about family and magic and I think if you want a good October read that won't give you nightmares, then this might be perfect for you! The atmosphere and setting is great for those who love realistic fiction with a touch of the otherworldly, and the humour will make you want to wish you were a part of this family. I didn't make this a five star rating because it took me a bit to get into the story but once the mystery started, I was hooked.

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257. Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The moment I heard about this book, I absolutely wanted to read it. This was so heavy, but so good. I couldn't stop listening to it--even through the darker moments. I think that if you're thinking of reading this, definitely check for trigger warnings. Diamond had such an incredibly rough life leading up to this book's publication. I think she put the perspective of the situation (from the POV of an outsider) best herself when she shared the POV of a man in her life: how her childhood is so fascinating, but it's easy to think that when you're not the one living it. She lived with an abusive father, siblings, and a mother who fell more and more into herself. Despite the heartbreak and the moments where my heart dropped for her, I am so glad I read this and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for incredibly hard hitting memoirs that don't shy away from the dark realities of some families.

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258. How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The fact that this book was on my shelves for years hurts my heart because IT WAS SO GOOD. I was so surprised and hooked from the beginning! Gilliland deals with some heavy topics in this, but I love that these topics were explored (especially because we are seeing more and more fatphobia in society). I think this book will help anyone who thinks they are alone in hating their bodies, or thinking that the insults thrown their way makes up who they are. Moon struggles with her self-image and the way others see her because she has always been compared to her "perfect" twin sister. I think exploring these topics will help (even if they can be triggering) because it will hopefully help the reader feel less alone. Don't even get me started on Moon's love interest. I loved how their romance flourished and that this was a classic enemies to lovers romance trope, intermingled with some pretty bugs. Her love interest was such a cinnamon roll and I'm so happy that they found each other. However, you can see their ages in how they react to certain situations (even though Moon is more mature in other situations.) Also, this book is definitely for the older teen (and up). Keep that in mind if you're recommending it to anyone younger than fifteen or sixteen. Please read the trigger warnings for this book!

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259. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune--⭐️⭐️⭐️

I finally read this one after it was so popular during the summer. I can see why, though. This has summer written all over it (especially because of the title and cover.) I enjoyed this and I loved that it was set so close to home (for me). I liked seeing how the relationship between the MC and the brothers was slowly developed through flashbacks. I wasn’t a big fan of one of the big twists and how the love interests acted at various times (although I understand too because they’re so young). Not going to lie though, I’m team older bro. Sorry not sorry. One of the main reasons why this isn’t higher rated for me is because while everyone hyped this up, I just kept thinking of the other romance novels that used this same theme and storyline. I know there’s no true original ideas anymore (for the most part, save for the few instances) but I mean, this was still not as good as other novels I’ve read with a similar storyline. Would I recommend this to others? Of course! It’s a great summer read and if you haven’t read the books I’m thinking of, then I think you will love this.

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260. The Ghosts of Thorwald Place by Helen Power--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was NOT expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. There was something about it that just kept pulling me in when I wasn’t listening to it. Also, a Toronto setting? Heck yeah. This building made me think of the Ice towers in the city. The mystery was fun and the twist was unexpected. I mainly loved this book for the voyeuristic storyline of this ghost watching these lives continue—no matter how chaotic. It shows that we truly never know what a person is doing behind closed doors. This was also surprisingly terrifying. I wasn’t expecting to feel moments of discomfort (despite the topic and genre of the book). There are various scenes that are definitely nightmare inducing. Perfect for October tbh. If you want a thriller/horror novel with compelling characters and a unique perspective on what it might be like to be a ghost stuck where you were murdered, then you might enjoy this one. But read it with the lights on.

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Have you read any of these books? Would you recommend them?

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Happy reading!

[1d1195]

I’ve missed you too!! Such a busy week has left me drained lol but seriously bestie chatting with you cheers me up every single time💕

You’re so real for skipping around the audio for the sweet parts lol especially when it comes to friends to lovers legit a trope I could ever get tired of!! I would say get into audio book but tbh sometimes the people narrating them are not the best… so yeah maybe stick to the audio porn lol also you’re writing something for Thursday?!? A WIN!!!!!!

Aren’t we all angsty girlies at heart?!! At least I know I am lol love the pain and distress lol made to be was just so so so good I know I say this often but I might just have to re-read! (And I genuinely do bc the amount of time I’ve re-read your stories is crazy lol) and the new teacherry won’t be dumb! And if it is who cares!! This is fiction so it doesn’t have to be groundbreaking at all! I know it won’t suck but I do understand how it can be hard to see the positives sometimes!

Cariño is a fave of mine for reasons idk why! There’s also bebé(baby), preciosa(precious), querida, mi reina(my queen, but tbh I’m not a fave of queen in general lol) but omg gatita IS SO FOR YOUR STOIRES😭 there’s probably a ton I’m blanking on lol mi vida is also such a classic that I love it too lol and I don’t think that you would offend anyone tbh! Plus if you want to use the restaurant storyline stuff like tacos and other food stuff is what sells ya know. I think as long as you don’t really enforce stereotypes(I doubt you will!) then you’re fine! Or I could also see the reason of him using Spanish nicknames would be maybe because he studied aboard? Or maybe just living in a place where they mainly spoke Spanish for a bit? Or he’s just crazy smart and learned the language on his own lol ANWAYS I fear i will once again die(good way)if you ever use a Spanish nickname!!

lol

I’ve had other 3 hour courses before and they can totally make or break how I retain the info. I always kinda feel like I wanna share about the cool topics but i definitely geek out about and I fear these little chants would become WAYY longer than needed lol but thank you!! Hopefully I’ll stay interested in it for at least half way through 😭

NOT THE NOSE😭( I SCREAMED) BESTIE DRAG ME HAHAHA (his nose is cute though so you’re right😔) but for him i find his hands the most attractive…he’s also tall and wears glasses so i fear i wont shut up about him lol and thank you for the lovely vibes!!

Oh think those colors would be so cool for you! Especially rn since i think thats what’s like popular I think? But im sure it will look lovely in theory lol it probably would be a shock for everyone but dare i say bestie i kinda love the idea of you doing that!! Yeah the upkeep and like special products once has to use to take care of the color can be a lot lol I LOVE the way the universe made you!!!

You’re so right about Cody lol and I can see the appeal of Ben but Josh… girl trauma lol I love a good sad character even if it hurts knowing about! There’s also nothing wrong taking the sperm donor route like I have done my research as well lol Also a honey prequel?!? THATS SUCH A GOOD IDEA!! And bestie honey is turning out great!I have no doubt the last few parts will be just the same! You are and have been capable of creating such lovely stories!

Understandable about the wedding! I can see the Most couple getting eloped or whatever since they are basically soulmates lol I can definitely see how the guilt of her leaving could prevent her from even enjoying being engaged or going through the wedding process. And you’re right Harry would marry her whenever and wherever lol oh that’s such a good way of grouping firefighters 😭

Retail therapy is always fun! But I totally get how it sucks when not even the sweet treats are working😭 sending you the best vibes to help your brain!! Also a trip to Salem sounds so fun!! Have you been there before? Fall very much seems like your season( plus your birthday is coming up soon-ish!!) and a mft update would be so good for fall!

I actually had a busy weekend! Went out with friends to a drag show on campus which was fun! Did some needed errands but sadly started to feel off bc of my period:( but I’m fine just in slight pain lol and this quarter I only go for 3 days so it’s not too bad! Though I do have to wake up really early and stay really late on campus which is lame! But typically I like to go everyday just so I can have consistency but it just depends on the classes tbh who knows how next quarter will be lol

Ahhh Sam my love I am wishing you the best start of the week! Missed you loads!! Sending you so much love bestie! Love you lots!!!-💜

I think I misspoke perhaps. I meant Thursday as in the date not my story. 🙃 This is a next-door neighbors he's obnoxious but hot, she's not falling for it but is. But it's a little heavy I think. And with the recent Honey update, I'm thinking maybe I'll skip it. We'll see if I throw something together. Y'all might get the last part of Honey on Thursday 🤭 I'm sure everyone's devastated.

Sometimes I write stuff and I'm like "Omg no one would ever do this or believe this" and I know that's kinda the whole reason for fiction, but yeah. I just don't want it to be ridiculous. I'm an angsty girl because I love solving problems (math people, am I right?) but I don't like when it's a prolonged problem I need it solved like ASAP. (I often skip ahead in books, even if it's just a couple pages or a chapter because I get so distraught 😭) and when the love is loving, I need to know it's going to get better.

Preciosa is also super cute! I am def not a fan of my queen. I love princess (thanks Niall). but other than that. GATITA FOR THE WIN. I love the idea of studying abroad Harry. Love that love that love that!

Even if you just give me like a tidbit to study and look up. Or I'll make another sideblog just for you to send anon messages and geek out about psych stuff. I'm down for whatever you just let me know!

I WASN'T DRAGGING I SWEAR 😭 I JUST REMEMBERED SOMETHING FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE. Yes, hands, bless. I will not elaborate about hands, but you know. Everyone knows. GLASSES I'm S O L D. Please, do NOT shut up about him. I'm here for him.

I've been thinking about it more and more because I realized very recently my hair is all one color. Doesn't really photograph well. Idk. I don't photograph well at all. I think my whole aesthetic is "lovely in theory" 💀

I bet you're really kicking yourself that "honey is turning out great!" 🤭

Never been to Salem, no. Fall IS my season. I am a sweater, campfire, and bugs dying kind of girl. Apple picking? Say less. Basically, I want to be MFT mc and just live my best fall life.

I love that you still did fun things even if you're starting to feel off. It sounds like a fun weekend overall! I hope the pain continues to not be too bad. 3 days is a dream! I get the consistency. That's brutal for a sleep schedule. Can you sleep late on the days you don't have classes at least? But yeah, I get it. Some classes are such a drag!

LOVE YOU!

xoxo

[heavensghvst]

STRANDED - AC 19

Somehow being stranded on an island doesn't seem that far fetched for myself - consider it my undeniable good luck or something. Though, if I were by myself, I'd pull a full Castaway and have a Wilson by my side until the end of my days - which would probably be 72 hours maximum. Since I get to pick my company though, I've carefully selected my rescue team.

First to bat is Donna; I don't know why anyone wouldn't want her with them. She's scary as fuck, and if there's anything hiding in the bushes, it better run when Donald steps foot on that island. I've never seen Donna without a pack of cigarettes or a lighter, so I'd imagine her weapon of choice would be either a lighter or matches, which would serve to be actually useful to start a fire or use it for light.

Secondly, Matthew - even though he often refuses to acknowledge how much he enjoys my company, he's coming on this trip purely out of selfish reasoning. I like to believe that our long history with one another would hold some sort of importance and significance, and therefore, his sole purposes would be keeping me safe from whatever wild creatures that roam the island and inevitably from Donna when I annoy her at some point. Matty's weapon would be a machete, and no one even wants to ask how he obtained the weapon.

To round out our full team, here comes Salem. I think Salem would somehow remain the most levelheaded among the entire group, which would unofficially appoint him in some sort of leadership role. With Salem's calm demeanor, he encourages the rest of the group to remain clam. I think Salem would bring an entire backpack with him - which would have an assortment of hiking like items. Though the items wouldn't last forever, they'd give the group a good start in the right direction.

If done correctly, we'd all survive, but if not, I'd probably be the first goner.

[oldsalempost-blog]

The Old Salem Post

                   Our  Local Tamassee-Salem SC Area News each Monday except holidays                                          Contact: theoldsalempost@gmail.com                              Distributed to local businesses, town hall, library.                            Volume 7 Issue 35                                                                     Week of August 19,  2024                https://www.tumblr.com/settings/blog/oldsalempost-blog                                                         Lynne Martin Publishing EDITOR:   You might notice the paper is a little late this week.  My husband and I ran off for a few days to have time together from the everyday race.  We enjoy the small things more and more, like small towns, mom and pop businesses run by people who care, old buildings, town squares and historic courthouses.  It is those quaint places where you meet people who make up the town.  Although we took in the “big city” I honestly wonder why anyone wants to be in crowds like herds of cattle.  Traffic was ridiculous where people did not even know how to get out of the way for emergency vehicles.  And the clothing, or lack of clothing I should say was heartbreaking to think that mothers had not taught their daughters better to have some modesty.  Let me just say,  Dorothy enjoyed her trip down the yellow brick road, but she sure is glad to be home.  LMartin, AKA Dorothy                                                                        

TOWN of SALEM: 5 Park Avenue  Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM. Closed 12-1 for lunch.  * Visit the Downtown Market every Sat, 8am-12pm.  There will be a community cookout in partnership with the Oconee Sheriff’s office and the Town at the Salem Community Center Sept 17th at 4PM.  FREE Hamburger or hot dog plates will begin at 4PM.  A new neighborhood watch which is part of  Mission Oconee, sponsored by a Isaiah  40:31 foundation will be discussed.  

Jottings from Miz Jeannie  by Jeannie Barnwell     Nature or Nurture ?                                        A mother of two adopted daughters felt compelled to write a scholarly, well-researched book on NATURE OR NUTURE. Both girls had been adopted as infants into a loving and comfortable home. "Suzie" developed as a cheerful, creative child. "Alice," on the other hand, suffered from sleepless nights and violent temper tantrums.. The mother spent 12 years collecting data and interviewing child psychologists and other parents.  Her firmly held conclusion stated unequivocally that when a baby enters the world, the baby's heredity predicts the future for that child.  Of course, severe poverty, neglect, and other setbacks influence the child's future, but for the most part according to the author, NATURE trumps NURTURE.  She gave this advice: 1) Raise your child in the nicest neighborhood you can afford .2) If your child is ugly, consult a plastic surgeon.  WHAT DO YOU THINK ? Lots of Love, Miz Jeannie

ASHTON RECALLS by Ashton Hester   GOAT ENJOYS EXPENSIVE MEAL AT FARMER'S EXPENSE - (The following story was in the August 10, 1944 Keowee Courier). . .While feeding his stock last Thursday, J.N. Barnett, farmer of the Flat Shoals community, found three one dollar bills, that had apparently been chewed, on the ground. . .Immediately he reached for his billfold and, to his surprise and sorrow, found that it was missing from his pocket. . .Then he thought of his goat, and right he was, as the animal was making a fine meal of the billfold and the greenbacks it had contained. . .The goat had eaten between $50 and $60 in currency. Only the three chewed-on one dollar bills remained. . .(Footnote: An internet search reveals that $50 in 1944 would be the equivalent of $892.54 today.)

JOCASSEE VALLEY BREWING COMPANY,(JVBC) & COFFEE SHOP* 13412 N Hwy 11 Opening on Tuesdays 12pm-7pm during the summer season. Wed–Sat 9am-9pm and Sunday 12pm-7pm.                                    Events this week: Wed:  FOOD TRUCK: BLUE RIDGE GRILL  4PM   BLUE  GRASS JAM  7PM   Thursday: Food Truck:  BLUE RIDGE GRILL 4PM  OLD TIME JAM  6:30PM  Fri: Music: ADAM HOPKINS 6:30PM   Food:  Pa CHUYs   Sat– Food: BLUE RIDGE GRILL  ( seafood special)  Music:  FAYSSOUX MCLEAN at 6:30PM   Sun: 12pm-7pm Food: BLUE RIDGE GRILL ( seafood special ) 1PM  Music:  WATER KICKERS 4PM.    

FRIENDS OF JOCASSSEE  FALL EVENT– Sept 14th 9AM-NOON  VIP DAY   Volunteer, Improve, and Protect.  This is the clean and sweep of areas.  We welcome divers, boaters, kayakers and more to help!  Come be a part of protecting and preserving this beautiful lake we all love and enjoy.   See friendsof jocassee.org for more information.  

WANTED:  Someone looking for a home site, home, or fixer-upper with 8-12 Acres in the Tamassee-Salem. Contact theoldsalempost@gmail.com for contact information.                                                                                                              

Making It Grow is a delightful and educational program on gardening, plants, and more on Channel 29, SCETV  offered by the Clemson Extension and hosted by Amanda McNulty Tuesdays at 7PM and Saturdays at 8AM.                                

.EAGLES NEST ART CENTER

2024 UPCOMING EVENTS     Treasure Store open every Sat morning 9AM-12PM.  For donations  call 864-557-2462.   

August 24th, 7PM  Make Reservations for Dinner and a Show with Luke Riley Smith– Enjoy  the tunes of the Big Band Era, Swing and more! Fried Chicken, 2 sides, roll, dessert, tea or coffee. Tickets $25 Call 864-280-1258. Tickets for sale and available also at the Town of Salem. 

YOUNG APPALACHIAN MUSICIANS– Sign up for YAMs for an evening class each week on Tuesdays at 5:30PM. Cost is $50 each month.  3rd grade through adult.   Call 864-280-1258                                                                                                                      September 21, 7PM  Oconee Mountain Opry– Hometown variety show of local and regional talent including Jenifer Gregory-from Upstate SC a-singer/songwriter and pop rock, Chris Wayne from NC -Rockabilly, and the Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs from Winston-Salem singing a variety of American you will absolutely enjoy!    Tickets $10 at the door or Ticketleap on the eaglesnestartcenter.org website.                                                                                                                          

CHURCH NEWS                                         1 John 4:7-8 ... 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.                                                                                                                                Bethel Presbyterian Church (PCUSA),  580 Bethel Church Rd Walhalla, 29691. Worship at 10:30 a.m.  Come Visit Us!  Message by Mel Davis 8/25 & 9/1 Bethel PC USA.                                                                                                                               Boones Creek Baptist Church, 264 Boones Creek Road, Salem invites you to join us for regular worship service on Sunday morning with Sunday School at 10am and followed by worship at 11am.                                                                                                                                Salem Seventh-Day Adventist Church, located 240 W Main St , Salem,  cordially invites you to join us every Saturday at 9:30am

Salem Methodist Church, 520 Church Street, Down town Salem.  Salem Methodist is an independent church.       Sunday Breakfast at 9AM with Sunday School at 9:15AM and Worship Service at 10:30AM.   Holy Communion the first Sunday each month.  All welcome! Tune in to our live service on Facebook or view it later on our website.                                   ICE CREAM SOCIAL at the Salem Methodist Church:  Sunday afternoon August 25th at 5PM.  Everyone welcome!                                     Women’s Community Bible Study each Monday morning at 10AM led by Sherrill Carothers                                                                  NEW PRAYER GROUP: Began August 8th at 7 PM at the Salem Methodist Church. Will meet every second and fourth Thursday each month.

HELP MAKE JUMPROPES from old TShirts– Come learn and participate in making jump ropes for the Samaritan’s Shoe Box Ministry Sept 14th at 10AM.  

BOY SCOUTS and CUB SCOUTS to return to Salem?  Salem Methodist Church has been a host site for Scouts in the past. The number of scouts and leaders decreased so much the troops they stopped meeting.  There seems to be a growing interest in the community to bring the scouts back to Salem. Email theoldsalempost@gmail.com for information  

FOR YOUR HEALTH—Fight Depression!  Did you know you have a whole pharmacy in your own brain just waiting to be released when you exercise?  Endorphins are your own feel good pharmacy waiting to be released when you exercise. 

MOBILE PRIMARY CARE in SALEM thru Clemson Rural Health Mobile Unit:  August dates are Aug 13th and Aug 29th Time: 9AM-3PM Location: gravel parking lot across from the Salem Fire Department.  They will offer comprehensive primary care that includes chronic disease management and acute care.  The website: https://www.clemson.edu/cbshs/clemson-rural-health/patients.html    September dates are Sept 10 and 26.                                                                                                                          Love to you! LRM

[sohannabarberaesque]

Postcards from Snagglepuss (Minnesota State Fair edition)

Not one to know much about Art, let alone church dining hall breakfasts and coffee

Make no mistake: You can't enjoy a serious day at the Minnesota State Fair without having a generous breakfast. Even more so if it's from one of the two remaining church-sponsored dining halls therein, holdouts from a fallout beginning in the mid-1970's when many churches ended their dining hall traditions because inflation cutting into ingredient costs, public unease over cheap, starchy foods as seemed to dominate the menus, and inability to find volunteers willing to pull off lunch counter duty from their congregations.

This case happens to be the dining hall of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, in close proximity to the Arts Center and Eco Experience. Which as much yours truly as Huckleberry Hound patronised for a pancake breakfast complemented by their Swedish Egg Coffee--remarkably clear, less acidic in taste and unmistakably decent.

Not to mention at the table across what passed for the aisle of the dining hall no less than Touché Turtle and his Old English Sheepdog compadre, Dum-Dum, also tucked into an old-school breakfast complemented with Swedish Egg Coffee. As if the pancakes weren't rather light-textured and delectable, even with decent Minnesota butter and warm maple syrup--

"Has it ever come across to you how many have mistaken yours truly for that mascot which the Cayman Islands uses for its logotype?" asked Touché Turtle over another mouthful of pancakes.

"At least the plumed hat is something of a giveaway," Huckleberry Hound responded. Which had Touché giggling somewhat.

Dum-Dum, who, alongside Touché "himself," can get to be likable in his own way, though unnerving in certain high-peril situations and scenarios, couldn't help but remark with some drollery about the time The Great Gazoo, otherwise the conscience of Fred Flintstone, greeted Dum-Dum with that trademark address otherwise reserved for Mr. Flintstone, "Hello, dum-dum!" ... only to point out that it was Dum-Dum he was talking to. "Which, as you can guess, had Gazoo realising he was caught in a much different time-space continuum in spotting yours truly!"

"At least you can laugh about it nowadays," saith I.

"Even when you consider," Dum-Dum added, "where I've spent time over recent summers houseboating with Bristlehound on the Upper Mississippi."

"Which must seem rather fascinating right there," Huck remarked as the waitress refilled his coffee as much as mine.

"Just us two, taking it easy, relaxing on a sandbar for the night ... or even at the municipal boat harbour, sleeping on the roof of our houseboat on warmish nights. And Touché 'himself' adding a little spice to things."

"Not to mention," Huck remarked, "from what I understand, finding some interest in Friday-night fish fry."

"However did you know about that?" responded Dum-Dum, adding "Still, our kind of fish fry is the all-you-can-eat sort, especially where it's beer-battered fish, French fries, cole slaw and rather creamy tartar sauce."

Touché chimed in, "And what better beverage for fish fry than iced tea?" Dum-Dum chimed in, "You certainly have it there, Touché!"

Yours truly was thinking to himself for a moment what exactly iced tea would taste like with some Robinson's Lemon Barley Water from jolly olde England in lieu of the lemon juice ... but still, what a breakfast ensueth!

(Oh, and did I mention where we brought in Touché Turtle and Dum-Dum, not to mention Pixie and Dixie even, to the fall road trip, as if Yakky Doodle and Chopper weren't already part and parcel?)

=============

In keeping with the established habit here, I've brought in the famous old recipe Salem Evangelical Lutheran's Dining Hall uses for Swedish Egg Coffee--which, in this instance, is intended mainly for crowds, 48 cups even!!

Bring one gallon of freshly-drawn cold water to the boil in a splatterware container of like volume.

In a separate splatterware container of one gallon, mix together three pounds of ground coffee, one egg (shell and all) and enough water as would barely moisten the coffee.

Pour the boiled water into the container with the coffee mixture, and brew such just until the coffee comes to boiling. Remove from the heat and strain through cheesecloth in decanting the brew into a coffee urn or vacuum pot before serving.

*************

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[lynelovespopculture]

I posted 476 times in 2022

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#you guys loved the last one so here's another

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

TO WRITE OR NOT TO WRITE?

A lot of you seem to like my theory about the book in hocus pocus and for that I thank you. Now, I'm thinking about writing a new fanfic about book's POV. I love to write but it also takes a lot out of me but knowing i have readers already waiting gives me that extra push. So, tell me, would you read the book's story?

5 notes - Posted October 3, 2022

#4

Working, typing and prying so hard that my *NEW* hocus pocus fanfic will be done by Halloween!!!!!!!!!!

6 notes - Posted October 24, 2022

#3

A HOCUS POCUS TIMELINE

I HAVE LOVED THE ORIGINAL HOCUS POCUS SINCE I SAW IT IN THEATERS WHEN I WAS 9!!!!! IN HONOR OF THE UPCOMING SEQUEL, I’VE PUT TOGETHER TO ‘A HOCUS POCUS TIMELINE’ PART FANFIC/PART HEADCANNON-IT’S BASICALLY THE SISTERS’ BIO FROM BIRTH TO DEATH AND BEYOND.

AUTHOR NOTE: I HAVE READ THE BOOK SEQUEL OF HOCUS POCUS. I KEPT THE NAMES BECAUSE I LIKED THEM, BUT MY VISION DIDN’T INCLUDE A 4TH SANDERSON SISTER.  HOCUS POCUS & HOCUS POCUS 2 ARE OWNED BY DISNEY.  I OWN NOTHING. AS ALWAYS, ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

THE HOCUS POCUS TIMELIME

 August 18, 1627- Witch Drusilla ‘the dreadful’ Divine marries warlock Frederick Sanderson in their native England. For the first few years, the couple talk about moving the ‘new world’-(the US) Frederick makes several trips back and forth while he builds a small cottage in Salem.

Winter 1631- Drusilla and Frederick board a ship, intending to officially move to Salem. However, during the voyage, Frederick is attacked and killed by a rogue witch hunter. Discovering her husband dead, Drusilla stalks and kills her husband’s murderer. Due to health concerns of the day,  both dead bodies are thrown off the ship and are lost to the sea.

Spring 1631-Drusilla Sanderson, a widow before she even before set foot on American soil, adopts her late husband’s familiar, a big bloodhound named Bruno, as her own. Together, they made their way to Salem and to the cottage Frederick had build for them. Drusilla managed to hold back her tears until she found a surprise for her in the master bedroom. It was a handsome wooden cradle. Drusilla let her tears fall as let her fingers traced the cravings and the big S on the tiny headboard. Drusilla knew it was a gift from Frederick. After all, she had only told her husband she was pregnant.

September 10th 1631-Drusilla birthed her 1st child, Winifred Sanderson.  She has inherited her father’s red hair and later on, his overbite.

Summer 1632-Drusilla loves taking care of her baby, but she couldn’t help but feel lonely, so 1 night, as a joke, Drusilla turned Bruno into a human man. Before she could turn him back, Bruno convinced her not to, so he could experience life as a human man. The summer ‘experiment’ included everything, EVERYTHING, a man and a woman could do together. By summer’s end, Drusilla and Bruno agree that they’re better off as friends and Bruno is turned back into a dog per his request. Shortly after, Drusilla discovered she will have a reminder of the summer. She’s with child again.

April 24th 1633-Drusilla has her 2nd child. The female babe’s purplish raven hair reminds Drusilla of Bruno’s fur. Speaking of Bruno, he has turned into a human only once more, the night of the birth, to meet his daughter.  Or as he puts it, ‘his little pup.’  As he holds the infant, Drusilla tells Bruno that she decided to call their girl, Mary. Bruno was surprised that Drusilla would pick such a Christian name. Drusilla smiled and said that was exactly the point. Who would suspect she was a witch if she named her child Mary? Almost from the very start, Mary adores, almost worships her older sister, Winifred.

 Summer 1633-Drusilla got a letter from Lady Sanderson, (Frederick’s mother) saying that’s she cut Drusilla’s widow allowance off because she gave Mary the surname of Sanderson without asking permission. This is the start of a bitter feud between Drusilla and her mother-in-law.

Spring 1635-Drusilla has an affair with Niguel Blackburn aka the village idiot. She was attracted to his handsome face and good body but Drusilla was turned off by his small brain.  So she put an end to their brief affair. However, it wasn’t brief enough; Drusilla was pregnant again.

Summer 1635-By the end of summer, the news of Drusilla’s latest pregnancy reaches Niguel’s ears. In fact, it’s the gossip of the entire village.

Fall 1635-Drusilla finally bowed to Salem’s pressure and weds for the 2nd time. Drusilla marries Niguel Blackburn. Right from the beginning, the marriage is little more than a farce. Salem delighted in marrying the village idiot to the town harlot. On her wedding night, Drusilla, (who has moved herself, Winifred, now 5 and Mary, 3 into Niguel’s house) saw through a window that her new husband was drunk and walking away from the house with a different girl under each arm. Nevertheless, Drusilla waited for him in their now shared bedroom. By midnight and still no Niguel, Drusilla was ready to give up on him and something deep inside her to go check on her girls and it’s a good thing she did. When Drusilla went to her daughters’ room, she found that her girls were not alone. A couple was with them, the wife was tying big, white bows in Mary’s hair to hide the girl’s natural purple highlights while the husband talked to an uncomfortable Winifred, who was in bed. When Drusilla demanded to know what they were doing with her daughters, the couple told her that Niguel was considering selling them the girls. Drusilla promptly kicked the couple out and after removing the bows from Mary’s hair, settled the girls in her bed, cuddling them both close. It was right after 1 AM, when Drusilla was just about to drift off herself, she heard the door opened. Drusilla snapped awake instantly, she was determined to confront Niguel, how dare he try to sell HER children! Drusilla was enraged as she lifted her head    from the pillow. However, it wasn’t Niguel in the doorway; it was Bruno, who finally found his way from the cottage.  He sniffed the girls’ feet, as if to see if they were ok, then he laid down in front of the fire. Drusilla dozed off with a smile on her face.

Winter/Spring 1636-Wedded bliss is no where to be found in the Blackburn household. Niguel and Drusilla argue constantly. When she confronted him about selling her girls, Niguel admitted that he only cared about 1 child-his own, the 1 that Drusilla was still carrying. Niguel had already convinced himself that this 1 will be a son and already decided what to name him, Samuel. The final straw came when Drusilla was in the marketplace when she, yet again, saw an unknown couple leading her afraid looking girls away from town. Drusilla was already thinking up ways to kill the couple when she stopped them. However, the mortals were so confused that Drusilla believed them when they explained that Niguel told them that the girls were orphans and HE paid them to take the girls away. They even offered to give Drusilla the money back but she lets them keep it as she took Winifred and Mary by the hand. Giving up on her shopping, Drusilla rushed back to Niguel’s place, yet she only stayed long enough to gather hers’ and the children’s things. Drusilla does not leave Niguel a note, she simply left her wedding band on the dresser.  Then the Sandersons left and returned to their cabin in the woods. It took 2 days for Niguel to even bother to find his wife. When he did, he just barged in and demanded that she come home. All that got him was barked at by Bruno. After she pet her dog calm, Drusilla stated Niguel didn’t want her, he didn’t want the girls, all he wanted was this- she tossed a pouch over to him. In the pouch were 50 gold coins-the exact same price that Niguel had paid to get rid of Winifred and Mary. “Tell me,” Drusilla said, “were you selling my daughters for 25 each or was 50 just a lump sum?” “Why should I raise two brats that aren’t mine?” Niguel   demanded. “Because they’re mine!” Drusilla shot back.  Then, without warning, Niguel shoved Drusilla up against the wall and then produced the knife. “Well,” Niguel smiled, “the babe in your belly is mine. Perhaps I just should cut my son out of you and be on my way.” Drusilla used magic to get Niguel off her and slammed him into the opposite wall. “WITCH!” Niguel screamed, “I’ll tell the entire village about you!” Yet, Drusilla wasn’t afraid. “Go ahead,” she told him. “No one will believe you, even if you dry out enough to be sober, you’re still the stupidest man in town.” Drusilla then kicked him out.

July 18, 1636-Drusilla is in labour. It is a witch’s way to give birth alone, but this delivery is harder than Winnie’s or Mary’s. Nearly 6, Winifred had the presence of mind to find Mildred, a fellow witch and friend of Drusilla, from the village. Mildred aids in the birth of Drusilla’s 3rd child.

 Late August 1636-It takes more than a month for Niguel to come by the cottage to see his wife and newborn child. As before, he didn’t knock, he just barged in, demanding his son. “Where is he? Where is my son? My Samuel Blackburn?” It was late at night so Winnie and Mary were upstairs asleep while Drusilla looked up calmly from her sewing and told him that there was no one here by that name. Of course, Niguel misunderstood completely.  “Did you kill him, witch?!  Did you kill my son?!” Annoyed, Drusilla rolled her eyes as she stood up. Did she say that? Drusilla swears Niguel could be smarter if he would only listen. The bickering couple were interrupted by a cooing baby. They both looked left to see   an infant in the Sanderson cradle. Niguel smiled and says he knew it; he knew his son was here! Drusilla frowned and crossed her arms before she explained that his son turned out to be a daughter. When Niguel stared at her blankly, Drusilla sighed, “It’s a girl, you idiot!” Drusilla added that she decided to name her newest daughter, Sarah Sanderson. Niguel was taken aback, “shouldn’t she have my last name?” Drusilla shook her head. “The baby has your blonde hair and your blue eyes, I don’t want Sarah to have anything else in common with you.” Niguel objects; Drusilla is his wife and Sara his daughter, surely they will be together. Drusilla shakes her head, saying she’s sick of Niguel and has decided to kill him tonight. “You wouldn’t! You can’t! You don’t have the  gu-“ Niguel’s throat is slashed before his protests end. Drusilla is more upset about his bleeding on her new rug than the death of her husband.

1636-1642-Perhaps it’s maturity, perhaps it’s her doomed relationship with Niguel Blackburn, yet Drusilla’s behaviour changes. She’s still ruthless enough to prove to anyone why her nickname ‘the dreadful’. She still has a small cycle of friends of fellow witches in the village. Drusilla’s attitude towards men has changed. She only has a 1 night stands once in a blue moon and only after she brews a potion to makes sure she would never conceive again. The center of Drusilla’s life are her three daughters, or as she nicknamed them ‘her love’ (Winifred) ‘her heart’ (Mary) and ‘her rose’ (Sarah)

Fall 1642-The girls, now 11, 9 and 5, are invited to write different levels of the entrance exam to a witch school in England. The same school where Drusilla first met Frederick. Only Winifred passes the exam and is accepted into the school, but there’s a problem. Drusilla cannot afford to send Winifred to the school. So Drusilla goes to England to see if Lady Sanderson can help her with funds. As first, Drusilla is refused, but she is helped by Frederick’s siblings, Adam and Agatha, who desperately want to meet their only niece. As Winifred is the spitting image of her late father, Lady Sanderson melts and agrees to pay for her granddaughter’s education, well, for now.

Fall 1645-Just before her 3rd year is about to start, Winifred comes across her mother and grandmother fighting about money. Winnie stops the fight by declaring that she doesn’t want to return to the school; it bores her and she misses her sisters. Drusilla knows her daughter is lying. For the last 2 years, all of Winifred’s letters home are filled with how much she loves studying, the school and her independence. But Winifred is determined to get her beloved mother out from under her grandmother’s thumb, so she persist and Drusilla and Winifred return to Salem. In their cabin on the ship back, Drusilla caught Winnie looking at something. Winifred explains it’s a miniature of her father given to her by her Aunt Agatha. Drusilla smiles and nodded, remembering that she lost the only picture she had of her husband just before moving from England, a bad omen seeing how Frederick never made it to Salem. She wipes away a tear and tells her eldest that although she can’t think of a life without her sisters, Frederick was, and always will be, the love of her life. Just because she didn’t have the money, Drusilla wasn’t ready to give up on Winifred’s education. Drusilla, a graduate of the very same school, starts to gives Winnie one on one lessons about magic once Mary and Sarah went to bed. Drusilla was greatly impressed about how devoted her oldest daughter is to learning her witchcraft.

Winter 1646-Drusilla was in her kitchen 1 evening preparing supper with Sarah underfoot, when Drusilla heard gunshots outside and then came Winifred’s scream, “Mother!!” After commanding Sara to stay inside, Drusilla rushed outside and then she saw that both Mary and Bruno were laying on the ground, in a similar manner. Winifred tearfully explains that the shots came suddenly out of nowhere. The 1st shot got Mary in the shoulder, Winifred tried to run to help her sister but Bruno got there first and took the   2nd bullet, again headed right for Mary, in his stomach.  Mary then faints from her blood loss. She lands, face down, on a large rock. This makes Mary’s lips deformed.  Her lips would remain lop sided for the rest of her life.HHHHH Drusilla instructs Winnie to carry Bruno inside while she collects Mary. Winifred sets Bruno down before the fire on the 1st floor, while Drusilla carries Mary upstairs to the bedroom Mary shares with her sisters and will for the rest of her life. 1 week later, Mary has recovered nicely and is sitting up being spoon fed soup by Drusilla when they both hear crying from below. Drusilla and Mary go downstairs to find Winnie and Sara crying over Bruno, who had just died.  The next day, the family bury Bruno behind their house. Everyone is misty-eyed. After all, Bruno had been with Drusilla since the very beginning and aside from being Mary’s actual father, whether in his dog or human form, he was the only father figure all 3 girls have ever known. The family all agree not to get another familiar.

August 30, 1649-Drusilla is awaked by in the middle the night by a blood-curling scream. As always, Drusilla’s first thought were for her girls, so she jumped out of bed and ran across the hall to her girls’ bedroom. It was only there that Drusilla had the presence of mind to light a candle to see what was going on. Although all the screams were coming from this room, Drusilla was shocked to see that Winnie and Mary were both deeply asleep. All the screaming was coming from Sarah. Drusilla rushed to her youngest child’s bed and her jaw dropped. Sarah was giving birth and no one even knew that she was even pregnant!  Drusilla demanded of Sarah to know what was going on? Why was both her sisters asleep during all this noise?! Between pushing and gasping for air, Sarah explained that she put a silencing spell on both her sisters, but she had forgotten to do her mother. Drusilla helped with the rest of the birth. What Sarah pushed out of her body was tiny, deformed and it in no way looked like a baby. Sarah was worried, why isn’t the baby crying? Drusilla gently told her daughter that it can’t cry, it was stillborn. “It?” Questioned Sarah. Drusilla had to explain that the fetus was too immature to a have a sex. After instructing Sarah to clean her self and change her now bloody bedding and after taking care of the fetus, Drusilla felt bad, perhaps she was too hard on Sarah before. Yet when she returned to the girls’ bedroom, she was shocked to see that Sarah was sound asleep.  The next morning, Sarah was acting like nothing happened. After breakfast, Winifred and Mary headed out and Sara would have gone with them, but her mother called her back. Drusilla wanted to talk about last night. Sara shrugged, “the baby died, so what’s to talk about?” “But what if it didn’t?” asked a shocked Drusilla, what would Sarah do then? Sara shrugged again, she didn’t know, she would just wing it, like you did. This enraged Drusilla, she did not ‘wing it’ when she was expecting, she had this cottage, the Sanderson cradle and she had knitted up a storm each time she was about to give birth. Also, Drusilla was an adult, Sara had just turned 13! Drusilla was dumbfounded when Sarah admitted that she had no idea who the father was. “I like boys,” Sara admitted, “Winnie has her books and spells, Mary can smell out anything, like Bruno could, and I like boys.” “That’s not a magic power.” Drusilla rolled her eyes, “liking boys is not a magic power, Sarah. Sarah frowned and shook her head, “then I don’t think I have a power.” Drusilla said yes, Sarah has; her voice. Ever since Sarah was a baby, Sarah’s voice is the strongest one Drusilla has ever heard.  Perhaps she should focus more on her singing and not the boys? Sarah agrees to practice more but she refuses to give up the boys, she likes them too much. “Very well then, drink this.” Drusilla puts a vital of brown liquid before her daughter. “What’s this?” Questioned Sarah. Drusilla states that it’s just something to make sure that what happened last night never happens again.

 1650 to 1660-Drusilla grew old as her daughters grew from girls to women. Winifred amazed her; while it was pretty obvious that all 3 were meant to be witches, yet Winifred dreamt of being 1 of the greatest and was willing to put in work. It wasn’t unusual to find Winnie had fallen asleep with a book that contained a spell that she was working on. Mary is seemed to be at her happiest while serving her oldest sister and Bruno seems to live on in Mary, the ways she barks and whimpers, like the greyhound. Mary sometimes even sleeps like a dog. Drusilla has seen her daughter in an unladylike position of being asleep with 1 foot up in the air, her belly exposed and her hands above her head. Drusilla more than once, would lower her leg and her arms from above her head and roll Mary onto her side, pulling the blanket over her. Sara’s interest of boys only increases as she grew. Drusilla often had to chase away strange boys from the house and sometimes even from Sara’s bed. As they grew older, Mary and Sara seem to lack common sense and Drusilla begins to worry about her 2 youngest daughters.

April 3, 1660-It was a normal afternoon when Sarah rushed in with a telegram for Winnie. Winifred took the letter and as she read it, she grew pale and her mouth fell open. Drusilla asked what was going on and Winifred looked up, “Mother did you know that every all hollow’s eve, the master picks a corner of the world and honors 3 witches?” Drusilla raised an eyebrow, “how do you know this, Winnie?” Winifred smiles, “because, according to this,” Winnie held up the letter, “the master has chosen to visit Massachusetts and this hallows eve, 1 of this witches he wishes to honor is me!” That’s when the excited screaming started.

Late Spring to Early Fall 1660-Drusilla was thrilled and excited for her eldest daughter. After all, even meeting the master was an honor most witches could only dream of. While Winnie was walking on air, Drusilla didn’t want Mary or Sarah to feel left out so she involved them in a secret project. To make Winnie a new dress for her big night. “After all,” Drusilla pointed out, “we can’t let our Winifred meet the master in rags, can we?” The other two readily agreed. Mary shopped for all the fabrics and colors and her mother said she made excellent choices and meant it. The dress was so grand in design that it would take weeks to complete. The underskirt was multi-layer and multi-colored. There were layers of red, green and gold. The next level of the solid middle overlay was a purplish/midnight blue with thin golden thread across the corset. The final level was a sort of overcoat made in a deep green to compliment with Winifred’ red hair. It had a long neck in the back, and gold plates in front to make a belt with long, dramatic sleeves. They also decided to decorate the green by using the golden thread to sew symbols in the front and the back. Because it’s the room Winnie is in the least, the dress was kept in Drusilla’s room, while Drusilla, Mary and Sarah worked on the dress, apart and together, whenever they could get away.

October 31, 1660-The big day had finally arrived. Right after breakfast, Drusilla takes Winifred up to her room and places a necklace around Winifred’s throat. Drusilla then started to explain that this necklace is special because Drusilla wore this very necklace on the very day she wed Winnie’s father. Beaming, happy tears filled Winifred’s eyes. “Oh Mother, I can’t believe this is happening to me, I never excepted the master to even know my name.” Drusilla smiled. “Oh my darling, you deserve all this and more. After all, my love, no one works harder than you do.” “Mother!” Sarah called from across the hall, “We’re ready, you can bring Winnie in here now.” Winifred was confused, “why does Sarah want me to go to my own room?” “Well, let’s go see.” Drusilla pulled her daughter up and they went across the hall where an excited Mary and Sarah were waiting. The dress was ready and laid out on Winifred’s bed. Mary and Sarah blocked the view until Winnie came into sight then they both jumped out of the way. “Tada!” Confused, Winifred lightly touched the dress, was this for her? “Do you like it?” Asked a smiling Mary. Winnie remained stone faced, “no.” “Winifred!” Drusilla scolded her like she was a little girl again. Suddenly, Winnie was smiling from ear to ear. “I love it,” she declared honestly and the whole family laughed together. An hour later, Drusilla watched a dressed and ready-to-go Winnie came down the stairs. She had chosen to wear her hair up-something she rarely did at the time. “You look perfect” Drusilla declared and kissed her brow. The Sandersons then flew to the site-a small clearing in a wood near Boston. Winifred sat in the front row with the other 2 witches that was to be honored that night. After hearing black mass, the 3 honorees were motioned forward to kneel before the master. Winifred couldn’t help but wish she was the only one being honored, this felt too much like sharing with her sisters. But all that changed when the master looked at her. The moment the master looked into her eyes, everything else simply…disappeared for Winifred.  “I grant thee, Winifred Sanderson, a gift,” boomed the master, “for general wickedness and services you have done and will continued to do in my name. Behold!” The crowd gasped as the master held out an arm and fire flew out of his palm. When the flames died down, a book appeared. “This spell book, bound by the skin of a doomed mortal, is no ordinary book. This book had a soul, it will imprint on you, Winifred. If ever apart, this book will look for you and for you alone, from tonight and forevermore.” The master explained and then he reached for Winnie’s hand. She was determined not to flinch (and didn’t) when the master pricked her finger with a sharp needle and then dips a quill in Winnie’s blood. He then hands her the quill and instructs her to write her name on the inside cover. In her best penmanship, she quickly yet carefully, writes ‘Winifred Sanderson’ and as soon as she finishes with her final ‘n’, magical ink appears around her name, so that now it reads, Property of Winifred Sanderson, 31 October, 1660. The book closes itself and Winnie sees an eyeball that she knows wasn’t there before, she smiled. For Winifred and her book, it was mutual love at first sight.

March 10, 1673-Mary and Sarah lay on either of their mother in Drusilla’s bed. Drusilla noticed when Winifred entered, carrying her lunch tray. “Alright, my girls,” Drusilla whispered to Mary and Sarah, “I need to talk to your sister alone.” Mary and Sarah got up and off the bed, and went downstairs. When they had gone downstairs, Drusilla rolled over and held out a hand. “Come to me, Winnie, leave the tray.” Winifred sat beside her mother and took her hand. Drusilla sighed, “I’ll be with your father by nightfall.” Winifred shook her head. “Don’t speak that way, Mother. You’re not going to die.” Drusilla laughed, “I’ve been weakening for years now.” Winnie looked away and Drusilla reached up to wipe a tear from her daughter’s eye. “It’s alright, darling.  After all, dying in one’s own bed is a rarity not often allowed our kind.” “Mother, you’re not dying! You can’t be! What would happen to the rest of us?! Oh, I’m sorry, I know how selfish that must sound.” Drusilla waved it off dismissively. “That is what I wanted to talk to you about. Now, when I’m gone,” Winifred started to object again but Drusilla held up a hand. “When I’m gone,” she repeated, “I need you to promise me that you will take care of your sisters.” Winifred buried her head in the mattress. “I can’t, Mother, I can’t! I’m not you.” “You don’t have to me. Look at me, Winnie.” Winifred straightened and Drusilla tucked a red hair behind her daughter’s ear. “Oh, Winifred, my bold, beautiful, fearless and brilliant Winifred. So brilliant that the master himself had to honor it.  I have never doubted for a moment that you can take care of yourself, however, well, I have been worried about your sisters for quite some time. They need you, Winne, they adore you and as much as you like to deny it, I know you love them. Please don’t misunderstand, if it was up to me, I wouldn’t leave the 3 of you for anything but the master is calling me home, I can feel it. So promise me you’ll take care of your sisters.” “I promise, Mummy.” whispered Winifred then she got up to ready the food tray. Yet, when she looks back, she knows her mother had taken her final breath. Winnie lays  down besides her mother, sobbing loudly. The sobs bring Mary and Sarah back into the room and for a long time the 3 sisters cry for their mother.

 Spring 1673-A lot of people, from Salem and England, attend Drusilla’s funeral before being buried behind the cottage. The sisters go into deep morning and Winnie takes up the dual roles of annoyed older sister and overprotective 2nd mother.

 February 26 1675-Mary is sweeping the front steps on a sunny but cold afternoon when a man comes up to her, seemingly from out of nowhere. This man, who introduces himself as Malcom White, is not   only a smooth talker but also a fast talker and before she even knew was doing it, Mary invited Malcom to dinner.

 March 31, 1675-By the end of March, Malcom White had dined with the Sandersons no less than 4 times. True to form, Sarah flirted with him to no end, however Malcolm seemed to only have eyes for 1 Sanderson sister; Mary and Mary felt the same way about him. After dinner, Mary couldn’t stop gushing about Malcom. “He’s wonderful! Oh Winnie, don’t you think he’s wonderful?” “No, I honestly think he talks too much.” Winifred never told Mary, but there was something about Malcom White that she didn’t trust.

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24 notes - Posted September 23, 2022

#2

NEW THEORY-BILLY BUTCHERSON *IS* A LIAR! (AND I THINK I CAN PROVE IT) WARNING POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR HOCUS POCUS 2.

In my opinion, Hocus Pocus 2 is a great movie yet I noticed a few plot holes. At first, I thought it was just me nit picking. After all, I had years to study and pick apart the 1st movie. However, perhaps I was too quick to dismiss my instincts. 1 thing that really bugged me is Billy’s story that he only had 1 kiss with Winifred and was NEVER her lover. Well, I think if you consider only 3 points of the movie, you too will believe what I believe, that Billy, not Winifred, is the liar.

Billy’s own story falls apart if you look at it right-Billy’s story is that as teenagers he and Winnie share 1 kiss…in a graveyard. Seems okay, right. Not if you saw the 1st movie! A graveyard is made up of what? HALLOW GROUND AKA somewhere witches can’t set foot. The last time we saw Winifred on hallow ground, she turned to stone. Still, since Winnie agrees the kiss was in the graveyard and happened before she got her magic, 1 could say that hallow ground wouldn’t hurt her yet. Fair enough, I just thought I mention it. If Hocus Pocus 2 shows us nothing else, it shows us just how much Winnie loves her sisters. She gave up eternal life and limitless power just to be with them. Yet Billy would have us believe that this is the same woman who robbed Sarah of her lover and possibly break her sister’s heart, all over a single kiss she shared with the man decades ago?! Seems a little extreme, even for Winifred, doesn’t it? Now, if Billy was a two-timing cheat, his death at Winifred’s hand make a lot more sense. Sure, Winnie can lie to other people, but can she lie to magic itself? She flat out tells Becca and the others that the power spell is HER spell, in that case wouldn’t it make sense that things needed for the spell relate to her as well? Therefore, the head of a lover would be the head of HER lover? As a 300 witch, Winnie would know how this works and when she reads that she needs the head of a lover, she instantly thinks of Billy. Even after Sarah reminds her that Billy was her lover, Winnie doesn’t back down from the idea, or even try to get someone else, that’s because she knew Billy was her lover too. If Winnie was completely crazy and never share his bed; the spell wouldn’t have worked yet it does. Hell, even when she wakes him up in the 1 film, she doesn’t say his name, she says unfaithful lover implying again to her unfaithful lover.

I rest my case: the zombie is a tramp! If I missed something or you think I’m wrong and want to come to Billy’s defense I would love to hear from you.

60 notes - Posted October 7, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

I  HAVE  A NEW THEORY....

Hocus Pocus 2 was a wonderful  movie. Yet my writer’s brain  formed a new theory, it  might be a little crazy but hear me out: I think the book  is in love with Winifred and always was.  Who gave Winnie the spell to come back in 1st movie-the book! SPOILERS FOR HP2- book almost happily floats from Gilbert to Winnie. He aids building an 2nd black flame candle, book won’t leave the cottage until Winnie calls him, just as she told him. He doesn’t want to THAT spell because he knows what it will cost her, that why he goes with Becca. He gives Winifred the spell that undo her mistake because he sees how  much she’s hurting   without her sisters and that tear, it confirms that losing Winifred is the last thing he wanted. Forget   Billy, the book is the love of Winnie’s live. I can’t  believe I’m  even saying this, but the movie made me feel sad for the SPELLBOOK! He has lost the woman he has loves 3 different times and he can’t even speak to tell her he loves her, that’s why Winnie treats him like a child.   It’s been 329 years and he’s still  not over her!   Sorry for the long rant!

142 notes - Posted October 1, 2022

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[zafirosreverie]

Must be the eyes (Teacher!Agatha x Fem!Student!Reader)

Here it is! first part of the TxS au! Let’s get this party started!

----

"And who exactly was the villain then, Miss Y/L/N?" You gnashed your teeth when your teacher looked at you behind the frame of her glasses, with her piercing, stupidly beautiful blue eyes and a raised eyebrow.

You flinched a bit from her gaze, but you refused to back down, you never had and you weren't going to start now, no matter how hot your cheeks got or how close this damn woman stood to you.

Agatha Harkness, Westview’s University history professor, terror of the first years and your crush since the first class you had with her. Her blue eyes had captivated you from the first moment, as had her slightly wavy hair and mocking smile. Her sarcastic and dry sense of humor was also something you loved, plus she was incredibly smart and not afraid to show it. Beautiful, smart and taught your favorite subject. Yup, you were completely under her spell.

But you hated it when she argued with you in front of the whole class, especially for things like this. It always made you feel so small and helpless, even if you didn’t show it on the outside.

She had asked your class for an essay on Greek myths, and you had chosen Medusa’s. Miss Harkness had said that you should express your views, with clear and concise arguments, which took you most of the week to investigate. But it seemed that you had not been clear enough.

Either that, or your teacher really hated you and enjoyed challenging you in front of your classmates, expecting you to break up and argue with her, so she could send you to detention. Well, you wouldn't let her win that easy.

You forced a smile and looked up. She was right in front of your chair, looking down at you as she waited for your answer.

"Athena and Poseidon" you said confidently "They are the villains"

"Interesting posture" she smiled, but it was a smile that reminded you of the cheshire cat "Although that doesn't take away the blame for the lives she took, does it?"

"It wasn't her fault either," you said, frowning.

"Oh it wasn’t?" she asked. You suppressed a gasp when she rested her hands on your table and leaned forward. You could feel her minty breath on your face "And whose fault was it, Miss Y/L/N?" she asked.

"Men’s" you gulped "Those who went to look for her"

"Explain" she ordered. Her eyes never once left your face.

"They went looking for her. They tried to kill her, what was she supposed to do? Let herself be killed? Besides, it wasn't her fault that Athena turned her into that, she didn't ask to turn people to stone" you said, crossing your arms and leaning toward back in your seat.

Anyone would think that your gesture was one of challenge, considering that your face was neutral and your eyebrow was raised slightly. But inside you were screaming and having a panic attack.

Agatha smirked in her head at your attitude. She wouldn't tell anyone even if she was under torture, but she loved having these little discussions with you. You were the only student brave enough to argue with her, and you were brilliant in the way you did.

On the other hand, you were also incredibly cute and she would lie if she said that she didn't like to make you blush, your eyes lit up a bit and the red on your cheeks really contrasted beautifully with your skin. She knew it was wrong, that as a teacher she shouldn't find any of her students attractive. But she couldn't help it, there was something about you that just fascinated her.

Most of her fellow teachers had already noticed the strange dynamic she had with you, but they took it as a simple student/teacher rivalry, stemming from the fact that you seemed like a history prodigy, which presented a vast battlefield for Agatha, it was no secret that the woman was competitive, after all.

The only one who seemed a little suspicious of what was really going on was Wanda, the literature teacher. She had been one of the best students in the university and had returned as a teacher 5 years ago and because their subjects shared a field of investigation, she and Agatha ended up spending more and more time together, until they became good friends. 

It was fun having someone to judge and gossip about both the staff and the student body. But that also meant having to endure the teasing of the younger woman every time you walked by Agatha.

Of course, she had scolded Wanda for even suggesting that she was attracted to you, a student, and the redhead had apologized, saying that she was only joking, but she wasn't sure how long it would be before her friend became suspicious again. Not that the history teacher was that subtle with the way she looked at you.

Still, Agatha Harkness had certain principles, and she knew that she couldn't flirt with you as long as you were her student, so she was content to make you blush and nervous when she was around you.

“She broke Athena’s rules” she said, almost growling.

“Poseidon raped her. That wasn't her fault” you growled back. You cursed yourself for being so passionate about this. Your classmates probably thought you were an idiot for fighting a teacher.

"You seem quite determined to defend the monster," she accused, frowning. She pushed herself off your bench and turned to the rest of the class, letting you breathe for a second. "Not many people would pay attention to Medusa, a hideous and dangerous creature. But she seems to have won Miss Y/L/N’s heart" she said, making your classmates laugh and you blushed again.

"It must be the eyes" you mumbled without thinking.

Your teacher looked at you for a moment before smirking. Fortunately, it seemed like she didn't have time to keep arguing with you. Blessed heavens for that. You heard the ring bell and sighed in relief, starting to pack your things.

“Remember that the project is due for next monday” Ms Harkness said and you hear some groans from your classmates. You chuckled as you left the classroom.

“It’s not fair” you heard your friend Nick saying beside you “She didn’t give us enough time!”

“What do you mean?” you asked “I finished it three days ago”

“But you don’t count!” he frowned “you’re good at history! I can’t even remember my sister’s birthday!”

“Nick, you don’t have a sister” you rolled your eyes fondly

“And? I wouldn’t remember her birthday anyway”

You laughed and playfully punched his shoulder. You and Nick have been friends since your first day here and you were thankful for that. He was the only one who knew about your crush on Ms Harkness, which was a blessing but also a nightmare. He loved to embarrass you.

“So, what was that Y/N?” He asked suddenly

“What?” you frowned

“The whole Medusa’s thing”

“Well, she wasn’t a monster and-”

“No no, don’t give me a history lesson, I already had enough of that. I was talking about you and ‘Ms magical eyes’ almost kissing” he smirked as you coughed and almost tripped. 

“What?!” you hissed “The hell you’re talking about?!”

“Oh c’mon Y/N!!” Nick laughed “She was practically lying over you!”

“That’s not true” you crossed your arms

“It is” he crossed his arms too “Y/N,I love you, but you can be so blind sometimes”

“What is that supposed to mean?” you asked, a little offended

“Y/N, we all could feel the sexual tension between you two” he laughed and left you frozen in the hall. 

_____________

“No” Agatha frowned and crossed her arms

“Please” Wanda begged

“No, I’m not going to babysit a bunch of spoiled kids” the older woman said

“Okay, first of all, they’re college students, not from the kindergarden” the redhead frowned “and this could be an amazing opportunity!”

“For what? I already know about the Salem trials, love, I’m more than capable of teach my students about it without having to taking them there”

“But it would be more fun for them” Wanda argued

“I teach history, buttercup, it’s not supposed to be fun for them” the brunette smirked while the other woman rolled her eyes.

“We both know you don’t actually think that. You love your class and want them to love it too” 

When the other woman shrugged and started reading again, totally ignoring her, Wanda knew it was time for plan B. She kneeled in front of Agatha and gave her puppy eyes.

“Pleaaaase” she cried “I need another teacher if I want permission to do the trip”

“Then ask Monica” Agatha said, not looking up from her book

“She has a game next week with the basketball team” Wanda said “Besides, as the history teacher, your class is the most similar to mine, it just makes sense if we both go”

“I’m not going Maximoff, period”

Wanda sighed and stood. “Fine.Thanks for nothing, Harkness” she pouted and left the teacher’s room. 

Agatha rolled her eyes, she knew the other woman would get over it in a few hours.

____________

“I just say that witches are cool” you said as you and Nick walked through the hall

“They are Y/N, but visiting an old town isn’t exactly my idea for a good summer trip” he said and you rolled your eyes “Why don’t you go to Disneyland instead?” he joked

“Because I hate gigantic amusement parks” you said “And I really want to visit Salem, it was my dream since i was 9 and i read about witches from the first time. But you know I don't have enough money to do both trips. So, Salem it is for me”

Nick sighed “Alright, you do you, history girl” he joked “But try not to get cursed while you’re there, i don’t want my best friend to be a frog” 

You laughed and he put an arm around your shoulders. None of you noticed the brunette teacher walking out of the teacher’s room and who totally heard your conversation. 

_____________

Wanda jumped when her office door opened with a slam. She looked at a frowning Agatha, who had her arms crossed and let out a sigh.

“Alright, you win” the brunette said “We’re going to Salem”

The redhead smiled and quickly stood up to run to her friend and hug her tightly.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she said.

“But!” Agatha said, gently pushing the younger woman to lock eyes with her “I pick the class we’re taking with us”

“Deal!”

[yeenybeanies]

Connecting Dots

i know y'all have been foaming at the mouth waiting for it, so here's the next chapter of my GTMS fan story!! as always, GTMS belongs to unicornofgt!! go read it!! gt mech suits (ocs) | samson rosales, ricky salem, & caiya condori 2,830 words language warning thanks for reading!! reblogs > likes!! first | previous | next

Condori couldn’t sleep. They’d arrived back at base a few days ago and reported their findings, then they were told to rest up. Everything else would be handled.

So why was Condori here in the dark, staring up at the ceiling? Was it guilt? He’d neglected to mention how the mech pieces they’d found looked more like armor and braces than actual pieces of machinery.

Was it grief? They had lost a comrade. He and Kruger hadn’t been particularly close, but he was a decent guy. Incredible pilot. He’d been piloting FM-111 for years. Now both it and he were gone.

But… the mech was still out there somewhere. Search parties thus far hadn’t been able to find it. What state it was in, no one could say, but Condori could not stop thinking about what he’d seen at the scene of the fight. The discarded armor was bizarre enough, but the footprints… Condori sat up in his bed and raked his fingers through his hair.

“Mechs can’t move without pilots,” he mumbled aloud to himself. “And the helm was smashed and removed… There would be no way to pilot it.”

So how did the damn thing walk away?

Condori threw his covers off and shuffled around until he found the chest at the foot of his bed. He reached in to grab some clothes, but paused when his fingers brushed something hard. A flash of gold caught in the low light. Condori bowed his head.

“I know, Dad. I’m about to go out and do something stupid.” A sad smile shaped his lips for just a moment, and then it was gone. Condori dressed himself quickly in the standard-issue camo pants and white t-shirt, grabbed his old leather jacket, keys, and a small bottle, and swiftly exited his quarters.

It was the dead of the night. The only other people up and about were the night guards. Condori slipped his arms into his jacket before the cold could sink in, and made for the trucks. Just as he found his vehicle, someone called out behind him.

“And just where do you think you’re going?” came a gruff, smug-sounding voice. Condori rolled his eyes.

“Out for a drive,” he said, turning on his heel to face the night guard. “That a problem, Jonesy?”

“Little bit of a problem, Condori,” the guard said. His rifle hung from its strap at his side, but Condori regarded it more as a prop than a threat. “I didn’t hear anything about any authorized trips tonight, so why would I be letting you out, hm?”

Condori resisted the urge to roll his eyes again, lest he roll them right out of his skull. “‘Cos you’re nice like that,” he answered, earning himself a scoff. Before Jonesy could say anything else, he fished out the bottle from his pocket and held it in front of Jonesy’s face. The man’s eyes lit up with interest.

“That’s contraband, Pilot,” he said, but he made no moves to take it.

“It is,” Condori confirmed. “You can confiscate it all you want, and I’ll be on my way.”

Jonesy frowned thoughtfully. “Add some cash for the vending machine.”

“Seriously?” Condori grimaced, but Jonesy stood his ground. With a grumble, Condori fumbled through his wallet and pulled out enough for a soda, and handed it over along with the bottle. “Enjoy.”

Satisfied and smug once more, the guard claimed his payment and returned to the guard station. Jonesy was a dick, but he was easy enough to deal with.

Condori climbed into his vehicle and pulled up to the gate. He waited for a long moment, watching the red lights. When nothing happened, he shot the guard station a glare. Staring back at him was Jonesy with a shit-eating grin, soda in hand. The gate lights turned green, and finally slid open, letting Condori pass.

“Jackass,” he muttered.

Beyond the gates spanned the wastelands. His headlights did little to illuminate the darkness, but he had a good idea of where he was going.

* * *

Cold pricked his skin. It was a familiar, welcoming cold. Rosales felt himself moving, like he was gliding, like he was flying.

He could smell something sweet. Tropical. Fruity. Long, brown locks of hair filled his vision. “Eva,” he muttered. A name. But no face. He could feel her touch, though. He could smell her. He could faintly hear her voice, but it sounded so far away. What was she saying…?

A weight rested in his arms. The smell of baby powder hit his senses.

“He looks just like you,” said the voice. Rosales couldn’t see the little bundle’s face either. Yet, he still felt overwhelmed, overcome by emotions stronger than anything he’d ever felt. Pride. Love.

We need to go. Get to a shelter! Take only what we need!

He had everything he needed with him, through all the evacuations and close calls. He had everything he needed.

“No, no no! Eva!” Cries of anguish shredded his throat. Another voice cried with him. She’d been ripped from his arms. His world was being torn apart.

“Rosales.”

We need to go! He had to protect what he had left! She would have wanted him to.

“Rosales!”

The giant jolted awake with a strangled noise. He struggled to breathe. Sweat rolled down his temples.

“Hey! Easy, big guy. It’s okay.”

Rosales glanced down to his left, to the voice. Ricky stood with her hands up. She looked tired. Worried, but tired. Rosales breathed out and rubbed at his forehead.

“You awake?” They asked.

“Yeah,” he mumbled.

“You were talking again.”

He grunted. He’d been dreaming, but any traces of the visions were already gone, slipped through his fingers like sand.

“Who’s Eva?”

The giant lifted his head and stared off into the middle distance. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t remember why. It sparked a recognition, an emotion in him that he couldn’t place. Happiness? Grief?

“I don’t know,” he said with a sigh.

Ricky stared at him for a long moment, then looked to the sky. Rosales followed her gaze. The sun would be coming up in the next hour or so.

“Go back to sleep,” he said. “I’m fine.”

She looked like she wanted to protest, but she didn’t. Instead, she pulled her hearing aids out, tugged her raggedy blanket over her shoulders, and lied back down, facing away from him.

Rosales watched her side rise and fall, the rhythm gradually slowing as she drifted off again. He could hear her heartbeat, too. It followed the same pattern, slowing down to a calm, placid rhythm. Rosales envied how easily they could fall asleep. He was lucky if he managed to catch a quick nap here and there.

Then again, Ricky was exhausted from following him for the past couple of days, which could contribute to her speedy clock-out. Despite his insistence that they buzz off, they just kept on coming back. And then those damned bandits jumped her, and he couldn’t bring himself to just ignore it.

So now he was stuck with them. If he was honest, it was kind of nice to have company, even if she talked non-stop. The wastelands were wide and desolate; it felt good to share the solitude with another soul.

Not that he’d ever tell them that.

More practically, Ricky did know this part of the wasteland well. They knew how to avoid other bandits, and where to find water. Most importantly, they knew how to evade the Alliance vehicles that had been crawling all through the canyon, no doubt looking for him.

He was still pretty lost on the way the world worked, but, if Ricky was to be believed, the Alliance was responsible for taking his memory, and turning him into this giant monster. He was inclined to trust her, if only because of the sense of dread he felt whenever the Alliance came to mind.

Rosales expelled a heavy sigh through his nose. He leaned back against the rockface and closed his eyes. He wasn’t optimistic about his chances of catching any more sleep, but he intended to try.

Unfortunately, the world didn’t like his idea. In the distance, somewhere above the canyon, he heard a rumbling sound. It was a vehicle. A truck, if he were to guess. He went tense.

“Ricky,” he whispered. She didn’t answer. “Ricky,” he tried again, more forcefully. Still nothing. He glanced at where she lied, snoozing away.

Right. She’d taken out her hearing aids. Rosales huffed at his foolishness. He leaned nearer and tapped his fingers to the ground right next to her. That roused her, and earned him an annoyed, groggy look. He ignored it and pointed upward, mouthing that someone was coming.

Ricky was up in an instant, hearing aids in, and stuffing her bedroll into her bag. “How far?” They asked.

Rosales listened, focusing on the sound of tires on rock. “Not far. Ten minutes out, maybe.”

Ricky cursed under their breath. She slung her bag over her shoulder and peeked out of the crevice they’d taken shelter in. She couldn’t see much beyond the rocky overhang above them.

“They’re just on this side, right?” She asked. Rosales confirmed with a nod.

“It sounds like it’s only one vehicle.” Which was strange. All the search parties thus far had at least three or more vehicles.

“That’s weird,” Ricky echoed his thoughts. “Lift me up.”

Rosales’ head snapped back towards her, his brows pinched in confusion. “What? Why?” He’d only ever held her a couple of times now; it still made him nervous.

“Because,” Ricky said, sounding exasperated, “I might be able to see what’s up there.” She wasn’t nearly as uncomfortable with being handled.

The giant stared. “Absolutely not.”

“Rose––”

“What if you get spotted?”

She threw her hands up. “Then you grab me and run. But we’re not gonna know what’s going on unless one of us takes a look, and you stick out way more than I do. Come on.”

Rosales didn’t like this idea. Reluctantly, he lowered a hand, palm up, before them. She weighed nothing, but feeling her shoes and hands as she climbed aboard made his fingers twitch. Careful not to move too quickly or make any sudden jolts, Rosales brought her closer to his chest and stood up, then lifted them up as high as he could. Even still, she couldn’t quite reach the canyon ledge, so she climbed the extra foot or so and pulled herself to the top, much to Rosales’ discomfort.

“It is just one car,” she reported. She pulled out a pair of binoculars, crouched behind a rock, and tried to get a better view. “Alliance truck. It looks like there’s only one guy in the front. Could be more in the back, though. He’s not driving very fast… But he is coming this way. Definitely looks like he’s searching for something. Why is he alone?”

It was a good question, but Rosales didn’t like how close he was getting. A low rumble sounded in his throat, drawing Ricky’s attention back down to him.

“I think if we stay put under the overhang, he’ll drive right past,” they said. Rosales didn’t like that idea either, but he didn’t have a better one. Strategic hiding had thus far kept him safe from the Alliance.

“Coming down!” She shouted. Rosales flinched, raising his hands just in time to catch Ricky as she jumped off the ledge. She landed without so much as a stumble, and met his scowl with a beam.

“Don’t do that,” he growled. He brought them in close, and scooted back into the crevice as far as he could. Once he was settled in, he let Ricky off on his shoulder, and went still, listening to the car approach.

It came closer.

And closer.

Rosales closed his eyes. The truck stopped somewhere above them. The door opened, and someone stepped out onto the ledge. Rosales could hear the Alliance man’s heart just as clearly as he could hear Ricky’s, and his own. It was calmer than either of theirs, though he thought he could detect some stress in the beat too.

For what felt like forever, the three of them remained frozen in place. And then the man turned on his heel, got back into the car, and drove on. Rosales stayed still.

“What the fuck?!” Ricky’s startled voice made Rosales jump. His eyes flew open, and his hand rose up to cup around her, though he didn’t quite touch her.

“Dude––!” Ricky stepped onto his fingers, clinging to his index. She seemed unharmed, and the truck was still heading away from them. Rosales looked puzzled. “Rose––you were invisible. Like, seriously invisible. It looked like I was standing on nothing.”

Rosales blinked, no less puzzled. “What? That’s ridiculous.”

“I know how it sounds, but I’m not fucking with you, Rose.” They waved their free hand, trying to gesture to all of him. “I promise, you were completely invisible. Can you do it again?”

“I’m not convinced I did it the first time…”

Ricky groaned in frustration. “You did. You’ve gotta try again.”

“Even if I could, I don’t know how I would do it again.” He leveled his hand so Ricky could stand. She pinched her chin in thought.

“What did you do when the truck was above us?”

Rosales shrugged. “Kept thinking that I didn’t want to be seen. But we do have more important things to focus on right now.”

She pursed her lips into a pout, ready to protest, but Rosales stood up, cutting any backtalk short.

“We need another place to hide,” he said.

“Well… the truck’s headed towards the watering hole, so we should avoid that today.” Unfortunate, since Ricky’s canteen was almost empty. “We can backtrack, go back to that cave you were in yesterday. Then we can see if you can turn invisible again.”

Rosales groaned, and started walking.

* * *

Watching the sun slowly rise over the canyon almost made Condori forget that the world had collapsed, and that portals and monsters roamed around, tearing up what was left of humanity.

It reminded him of times with his mother and father. One distinct memory came to him of when he was six or seven, when the three of them sat on the roof of their house and watched the sunrise. The pinks and oranges were breathtaking. He wished he had a picture.

Condori reached into his pocket for his wallet, and flipped it open to a picture––the one picture he had left. His parents smiled back at him, so much younger, so full of life. Between them was baby Condori, laughing his gleeful little heart out. This picture came from his dad’s wallet.

He flipped it shut and put it back in his pocket.

Thus far, his search had turned up with… less than stellar results. But he was forming a theory. A long-shot of a theory, but a theory nevertheless. He knew of a watering hole up ahead.

Well, he thought it was up ahead. In his haste, he didn’t think to grab a map before leaving base, and there wasn’t a spare in the truck anywhere. He was going off of what he remembered from maps he’d seen and exploring the area prior.

“Should’ve grabbed something to eat, too,” he muttered. His stomach growled out its complaints quietly. Condori grimaced. He should have checked for rations when he’d stepped out earlier to orient himself. He could do that later, though, once he found the watering hole.

So he drove on. He hoped he’d reach the watering hole before the sun got too high and the heat got too oppressive. Today, as it turned out, was his lucky day. After only about ten minutes, he saw the sunlight glinting off of the little pool down in the canyon. He pulled up to the edge and stepped out to get a better look.

It was hard to tell, but he thought he could just faintly make out giant footprints in the dirt around the pool.

“No way… You might just be seeing things,” he said to himself. But what if he wasn’t? Was there something alive in the mechs? He had to get down there, had to get a better look.

“Who ya talkin’ to, soldier boy?” Came a voice from behind him. Condori went stiff, feeling the barrel of a gun press to the back of his head. He dared not move, but he could see in his peripherals a couple of sun-baked bandits. There were at least three of them, including the one holding him at gunpoint.

“Easy now,” he said, raising his hands. “I’m just out having a look. Not here to bother any of you.”

One of the bandits barked in laughter. “Out having a look? For what? That giant man belong to you?”

“Didn’t know you Alliance-folks had flesh and blood in those mechs of yours,” another scoffed.

Condori furrowed his brow.

Giant… man?

[rachetmath]

Lancaster vs Rosegarden

Oscar: Jaune!

Jaune: Oh hi Oscar.

Oscar: You think you better than me?!

Jaune: Wait what?

Oscar: You think just because you're tall, muscler, an awsome semblance, and cool armor that'll make Ruby yours. Well too bad buddy, she's mine.

Jaune: I'm sorry, my mind is wondering where are you going with this.

Oscar: Ruby is mine. She will be mind.

Jaune: Okay. But what does this have to with me.

Oscar: I'm not an idiot Jaune. I see everything.

Jaune: What are you-?

Oscar: The train.

Ruby’s scroll.

Argus

Atlas.

I know what you're thinking and trust me she will soon know that chocolate is better than vanilla.

Jaune: Look Oscar-

Oscar: I'm the goat here. I've gone through shit. I do more for this group than anyone.

Jaune: Okay. Noted. Now Oscar just hear me-

Oscar: I'm better than you in every way.

Jaune: Okay but-

Oscar: I'm-

Jaune pimps’ slaps Oscar across his face. The hand was so strong it almost threw Oscar off. However, once Oscar recovered a little, Jaune slaps him again, knocking the drool off him.

Oscar: Ow!

Jaune: You good? A-are you done? Can I finish?

Oscar: Yeah.

Jaune: Thank you. Now let me tell you something um Pyrrha is dead.

Oscar: Okay, so what? What does she... oh.

Jaune: Yeah, she was reckless, she didn't think and she burdens everything on herself. Does Ruby not do that herself?

Oscar: Um..

Jaune: Okay then shut up. If you like Ruby that much then tell her. This has nothing to do with me. We are not even like that. We're just friends.

Oscar: *feels bad*

Jaune: The only girl I seem to have a relationship with is Yang. And it's not even a romantic one, its playful and sisterly. I mean have you seen her with Blake.

Oscar: True. Wait what about Nora?

Jaune: ... ... ...

Oscar: ... ... ...

Jaune: Teammate. A bit of a sister. Nothing less. Nothing more.

Oscar: Wow. That's low.

Jaune: Now, you are better than me but guess what that ain't much. Like what have you done? What sacrifices have you made? What are your reasons?

Oscar: Um I told James the truth about Salem. I saved everyone at Heaven. I helped in the battle with Cordovan. I saved everyone from Salem.

Jaune: Okay. Ironwood shot you. Cordovan was insane and did not deserve to live or have a job after her recklessness. Plus, Ruby stopped her. You were on a plane. And Ozpin helped more than you in Heaven. And if Hazel didn't buy you any time you would have died. In fact, Hazel is the reason you’re alive.

Me: And the reason your journey started.

Oscar: Well I persuaded him to join the good side.

Jaune: Really, how so?

Oscar: By telling him how to use the lamp. Then he freed me and made me do it myself.

Jaune: So, Hazel just let you go because he didn't believe you?

Oscar: Yep.

Jaune: So, if Hazel called Jinn's name and she appeared, what would have happened then? Like would Hazel have freed you then? Or would he had killed you and just let that be the end?

Oscar: ...

Jaune: So Hazel just showed you pity or you guilt tripped him into helping.

Oscar: I helped with James.

Jaune: Who we jumped.

Oscar: The evacuation.

Jaune: The worse plan we ever made.

Oscar: Oh man.

Jaune: Now, I need to say this, STOP being random. Like first you suck for some reason then you start being cool. Like what the hell?! Oscar, I don't know why I should be wasting my time trying to help you, let alone worry about you if you're somehow going to prove how irrelevant that is. Like I could've been helping Mantle instead of helping you. I could've been trying to talk to James instead of helping you. But no, you're my friend so of course I'll help you.

Oscar: But I'm your partner.

Jaune: No. No you are not. I'm the healer. I'm everybody’s partner.

Me: Basically the brother or the father of the group. No, wait a minute, maybe the mother? Still.

Jaune: Now, for your reason. Why are you here? What is your personal goal?

Oscar: To finish this. This fight with Salem needs to stop. I need to stop the cycle of reincarnation.

Me: Bra, that has nothing to do with you reincarnating. Ozma's mission. Remember?

Oscar: Oh.

Jaune: Basically, until the gods show up and we pass, you have no choices here so... you're here because Ozpin and I fucked up. Mostly me.

Oscar: Oh my brothers.

Jaune: Yeah. Now, listen. Ruby has been going through it. Ask her out. Trust me, you'll be making her day. Believe me. Please, enjoy what little life you might have left because in all honesty you barely have one. Considering your just a mini version of everything I was supposed to be.

Oscar: I'm sorry what?

Jaune: Later. *leaves*

Oscar: Um RatchetMath.

Me: What?

Oscar: Do you hate me?

Me: Yes and no.

Oscar: Why?!

Me: Oscar, I’m not going to lie but in all honesty you should not exist.

Oscar: …

Me: Like I’m not going to cap. You’re just Jaune but with everything else.

Oscar: How?

Me: How? Bra, let me tell you something, have you ever notice how you and Jaune are similar? Like coming into a field with no experience whatsoever. You were getting bullied by others. You were in need a pip talk.

Oscar: But I’m black.

Me: Bra, I’m light skin and I don’t even care for you. I’m fine with black representation but I prefer Ilia over you.

Oscar: What why?

Me: Bra Ilia is black. From a poor neighborhood. Her parents worked in low paying jobs. Her parents are dead. She literally went and lived in Atlas, so she has more awareness of what’s going on there. Plus, team RWBY has one faunus and team JNPR doesn’t. Especially if the said faunus is rich and has some nobility.

Oscar: Shit.

Me: And to be honest Jaune looked like Ozpin. He even looked like Ozma. Other than that if Jaune was Ozpin reincarnation then everything would be some levels the same. Hazel hates Ozpin so will Jaune because what Ozpin has done so far. He sees Ozpin’s life and he would have been even more furious cause none the events needed to happen if Ozpin- no Ozma wasn’t trying to get laid like many so-called heroes. He gets out-casted like he was back at Beacon except Pyrrha’s gone. See where I’m going with this?

Oscar: Yeah.

Me: So, in all honesty Oscar you are just black Jaune Arc. You are just a mere shadow of Jaune’s character. Hint to why I like you. And you know what it’s our fault because we didn’t want Jaune to overshadow Ruby. Even though the sad truth is everyone overshadows Ruby. Plus, our writers refuse to give him a purpose or a character.  

[nancypullen]

I Think I’ll Live

Alrighty, I just tested negative for the first time since July 6th.  I think that does more for me psychologically than I’d imagined.  I am not one who wallows, I’ve always enjoyed good health, and I was, in fact, one of those annoying people who bragged that my colds only lasted three days, and I never got the flu. This stuff, this BA5 strain kicked my butt.  I’m glad I got to see my family on the 4th of July because I lost the rest of the month.  This has been me for the last several weeks.

Just me and the cats looking out at the world.  Poor Mickey has not had great meals.  Yesterday I felt almost normal and during a bout of optimism I asked. “Want me to make you something special for dinner?”  His resounding, ”YES!” had be scouring my Pinterest boards for a meal that would put a smile on his face.  Before I started dinner I decided to make a big pot of his favorite taco soup, something he likes for his week day lunches.  After doing that I was so tired that I took a two hour nap and woke up at 5:30 with no dinner plans.  Guess who had to eat taco soup for dinner?  Yep, the guy who was promised something special.  I should learn to keep my mouth shut. Having said that, I do feel like I’m getting stronger every day.  I just tire easily.  Still don’t now why it hit me harder than Mickey and Matt or why Tyler and Jamie have never tested positive.  We’re all vaxxed and boosted, apparently I’m just a welcoming host.  I imagine it will be years before we know all of the whys and hows of this nasty virus. I, for one, will be masking for a long, long time. Enough about all of that. Let’s talk about something cheerful...like the fact that we’re just 99 DAYS FROM HALLOWEEN!

I walked into my closet today, stroked my sweaters, and whispered, “Soon...”  I try not to wish my life away, my September birthday is looming and I feel like I’ve hardly used the last couple of years (I want a refund!) - but, oh, how I long for autumn.  Mickey mentioned last night that he’s trying to put together a Salem trip for October, but I put a stop to it.  Can you believe that?  First of all, if you start looking for lodging in August for a fall trip to Salem, you’ll be lucky to find a dusty closet for $200 a night.  Most importantly, there’ll be crowds, small shops, crowds, restrictions, crowds - you get the idea.  Normally, the crowds in Salem are a joy, loads of happy people with common interests having a fine time. Now they’re a source of plague. I’m sure we’ll enjoy it again someday, just not this fall.  I suggested a more peaceful getaway - either Chincoteague or Assateague.  A few days on the beach, after the summer crowds have left, watching wild ponies and enjoying the natural beauty...that sounds like a balm for the soul, doesn’t it?  I’ll take along my sketchpad and a couple books about the history of this stretch of the wild Atlantic - pirates, colonists, shipwrecks, whalers, I may take a stack of books.  Isn’t that something lovely to look forward to?  Time to do something with this day. Let’s see how far I get before I need a nap. I have laundry chugging, chicken thawing for dinner, and I may even work up the energy to deal with all this hair.  That really seems more like a team effort.  I need a hair stylist to make a house call.  It’s an emergency. 

Wishing anyone who sees this a beautiful day.  I hope you have at least one reason to belly laugh and one pleasant surprise in the next 24 hours, and I hope you appreciate both.   Stay safe, stay well, wear your mask. XOXO, Nancy